Canada says it is committed to deepening its partnership with Morocco through sustained political dialogue and expanded cooperation in trade, investment, security, sustainable development, and regional and global issues of shared interest.
The position was outlined in written responses sent exclusively to Hespress AR by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs following questions about the future of bilateral relations after Ottawa’s April 28, 2026 announcement on the Moroccan Sahara and prospects for broader political, security, economic, and African cooperation.
“Canada attaches great importance to its partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco and intends to continue an open, regular, and constructive dialogue with the Moroccan authorities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both countries and their peoples,” the ministry said.
The department described Canada’s position on the Moroccan Sahara, announced in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, as “an important milestone” in the evolution of bilateral relations.
It reiterated that Canada recognizes Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the basis for a solution acceptable to the parties” and considers it “a serious and credible initiative for achieving a just, lasting, and pragmatic resolution” to the dispute.
According to the ministry, the new political momentum is expected to support closer dialogue and expanded cooperation built on longstanding human and economic ties, as well as Morocco’s strategic role in Canada’s approach to Africa.
The ministry highlighted the large Moroccan community in Canada and the countries’ growing economic relationship, noting that the Canadian government continues to support Canadian companies operating in Morocco, particularly in mining, aerospace, agriculture, information technology, and clean technologies.
It added that Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service will continue assisting Canadian businesses while encouraging mutually beneficial commercial and investment partnerships, emphasizing that Canadian firms remain attentive to viable business opportunities in Morocco.
The department also reaffirmed Canada’s support for Morocco’s efforts in gender equality, financial inclusion, and climate action, saying both countries have much to gain from stronger cooperation in sectors where their comparative advantages complement one another.
Morocco’s role in Canada’s Africa strategy
Canada identified Morocco as an important partner in implementing its Africa strategy, citing the kingdom’s geographic position, extensive ties with African countries, and active participation in regional and continental organizations.
Ottawa said it intends to continue discussions with Rabat to identify opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, security, sustainable development, and broader regional and international issues.
The diplomatic remarks follow statements published by Hespress in June 2026 from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which described cooperation with Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) as highly important.
The RCMP said close coordination with Moroccan security agencies remains essential in addressing shared security challenges, underscoring the growing law enforcement dimension of bilateral ties.
Justice cooperation despite no bilateral treaty
In separate written responses to Hespress, Canada’s Department of Justice outlined the current framework for judicial cooperation with Morocco.
The ministry noted that although Morocco and Canada do not currently have bilateral treaties on extradition or mutual legal assistance, both countries are parties to several international conventions that provide legal mechanisms for cooperation.
These include the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime, the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the UN Convention against Corruption, and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
The department explained that Canada can provide certain forms of assistance even without a bilateral agreement when the requested cooperation does not require a court order under Canadian law, such as voluntarily obtaining witness statements or providing publicly available documents.
It also noted that information sharing and technical cooperation can take place through Interpol and direct police-to-police communication.
Regarding extradition and mutual legal assistance requests, the ministry said that when an applicable multilateral convention covers the matter, assistance may be provided in accordance with the domestic laws of the requested state.
On cybercrime, the department noted that both Morocco and Canada are parties to the Convention on Cybercrime and recalled that a second additional protocol was negotiated to facilitate access to electronic evidence.
Canada has signed the protocol and is currently completing the domestic steps required before ratification.
The ministry also noted that both countries participated in negotiations on the UN Convention against Cybercrime, adopted by the UN General Assembly in late 2024. Once it enters into force, the treaty is expected to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in combating cybercrime and offenses facilitated through digital technologies.
The responses from Canada’s foreign and justice ministries, together with previous statements from the RCMP, point to an expanding bilateral relationship encompassing diplomacy, trade, investment, security, judicial cooperation, and engagement on African and international issues.
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