Bourita meets British counterpart Liz Truss in London

Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita met with his British counterpart Liz Truss on December 8, in London, as part of the 3rd edition of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue between both Kingdoms.

During these talks, the two ministers reaffirmed their “common vision” for the establishment of a strategic partnership, through strengthening political dialogue, deepening economic relations and security cooperation, while promoting human and cultural ties.

Both parties adopted a Joint Morocco-UK Political Declaration, and signed two decisions setting up the main bodies of the new Morocco-UK Association Agreement, concluded between the two countries in 2019.

The new bodies include the Council and the Association Committee and a sub-committee in charge of trade, investment, services, agriculture, fisheries, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), and customs.

Following the signing ceremony, Morocco and the UK held the first session of their Association Council, which will serve as a platform to deepen the Morocco-Great Britain economic partnership.

Both diplomats highlighted the history of friendly and mutual relations between Morocco and the UK, as they welcomed the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the signing of the first trade treaty between the two countries, dating back to January 23, 1721, in Fez.

Bourita expressed appreciation on behalf of the Moroccan Government for the UK’s support for the launch of the Moroccan vaccine manufacturing initiative, the country’s plans for improving the health resilience of Morocco and Africa, and supporting economic programs.

Truss took the opportunity to commend the reforms undertaken by Morocco for a stronger, more open, and more dynamic society and economy.

She praised the success of the vaccination campaign and its quick and efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Moroccan FM also met with the Minister of State for the MENA region at the UK Foreign Office, James Cleverly.