New British gov't 'determined' to strengthen strategic partnership with Morocco

The new British government is “determined to strengthen its strategic partnership” with Morocco to promote shared prosperity and reinforce national, regional, and global security, said the British Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker.

Lord Coaker, who was speaking at a reception organized on Tuesday by Morocco’s embassy in London on the occasion of the glorious Throne Day, expressed “the British government’s wish to further strengthen cooperative relations with Morocco.”

“At a time when Morocco is heading towards a brighter future, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, and when the eyes of the whole world will be focused on the Kingdom, on the occasion of the co-hosting of the 2030 Football World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco can count on the United Kingdom to remain an enthusiastic and reliable partner,” he assured.

The minister praised the “hugely important” role played by King Mohammed VI in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Sahel region and West Africa, highlighting Morocco’s “great contribution” to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

“Since the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne, Morocco has taken important steps towards greater progress and prosperity,” the British official emphasized, noting that the historic relationship between Morocco and the UK has also been further consolidated.

Trade between the two countries has reached high levels, he pointed out, citing other areas of cooperation where the two countries have continued to make progress, including education and tourism.

Military cooperation between Morocco and Great Britain has also seen a qualitative leap forward, said the official, citing the training programs implemented by the two countries and the military exercises organized jointly.

For his part, former British ambassador to Morocco, Tim Morris, said that Morocco had experienced “25 years of progress and modernization under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.”

“The Kingdom has experienced rapid economic growth, made enormous progress in human development, and raised its international profile in the arts and culture,” he said.

On a continental level, the diplomat noted that “Morocco’s place in Africa is rooted in history, since the country’s history is inseparable from the peoples of north-west Africa, just as it is from the north of the continent.”

“Morocco has established itself as a valuable partner that contributes directly to Africa’s development in the most effective way, namely by promoting prosperity,” he pointed out.

For his part, Anthony Layden, who served as the British ambassador to Morocco between 1999 and 2002, reviewed the reforms launched under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, particularly in the social and human rights fields, and hailed the “impressive” progress achieved in all areas under the Sovereign’s leadership.