Morocco, Egypt seek deeper strategic partnership, boost economic integration

Aziz Akhannouch said Monday that Morocco and Egypt aim to elevate their ties to a “comprehensive and model strategic partnership,” driven by stronger economic integration and political coordination.

Speaking at the opening of the first session of the Moroccan-Egyptian Coordination and Monitoring Committee in Cairo, Akhannouch said the meeting reflects the ambitions of Mohammed VI and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to give new momentum to bilateral relations.

“This is not a routine protocol meeting, but a political declaration and a new charter for our strategic partnership based on pragmatic foundations,” Akhannouch said, describing both countries as key regional poles.

The Moroccan prime minister emphasized the need to expand trade volumes in a balanced way, calling for better implementation of existing free trade agreements and the removal of administrative barriers to ensure smoother flows of goods and investment between the two countries.

He identified logistics and industrial cooperation as central to deeper integration, highlighting plans to strengthen direct maritime links between major ports, particularly Tangier Med Port and East Port Said, as well as connections linked to the Suez Canal.

Such links, he said, could position Morocco and Egypt as a joint platform connecting African, European and Asian markets. He also pointed to opportunities for industrial complementarity by leveraging each country’s competitive advantages.

Akhannouch called for increased business forums, trade fairs and investment initiatives, including the creation of a joint investment platform to facilitate information sharing, project development and coordination between economic stakeholders.

He also stressed cooperation in renewable energy, particularly large-scale solar and wind projects, as well as regional collaboration on green hydrogen.

On the legal front, Akhannouch said updating the bilateral framework is essential to match global changes, noting that the signing of new agreements during the meeting marks a “strong signal” of both countries’ commitment to advancing ties.

He added that cultural cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship, calling for expanded exchanges in arts, heritage preservation and creative industries.

Addressing regional developments, Akhannouch warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East pose risks to regional stability, urging a unified Arab position to confront threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reiterated Morocco’s support for Gulf countries’ security, referencing recent diplomatic outreach by King Mohammed VI, and stressed the importance of non-interference and respect for national sovereignty across the Arab world.

Akhannouch also emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains central to peace and stability in the region, highlighting Morocco’s role, under King Mohammed VI as head of the Al-Quds Committee, in supporting the status of Jerusalem as a city of coexistence among the three monotheistic religions.

He praised Egypt’s role, under President el-Sisi, in supporting Palestinians and mediating for peace, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to closer cooperation.

“Our strength lies in our unity, and our prosperity in our integration,” Akhannouch said, adding that the partnership sends a message of confidence to investors and the international community about the two countries’ role in building a strong regional bloc capable of facing global challenges.