The diplomatic team, led by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Liesje Shreinemacher, at the Ministry’s headquarters. The meeting took place within the framework of the World Economic Days promoted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) held in Marrakech.
The meeting, described as “fruitful” by the two executives, dealt in particular with water stress, maritime cooperation and the updating and signing of new economic agreements. On the Dutch side, the main objective of the meeting was to improve diplomatic ties in order to facilitate trade between the two countries.
The two sides expressed their appreciation for the quality of the more than 400 years of friendship between the Kingdoms of Morocco and the Netherlands and noted with satisfaction the current dynamics of the relations between the two countries and that it may favour the development of a strategic partnership between the two Kingdoms.
He highlighted the strong economic ties that already exist between Rabat and Amsterdam, saying: “Our visit to Morocco reflects the excellence of our relations of friendship and cooperation”. The Dutch top diplomat also highlighted the coordinated efforts being made to lay a solid foundation for future collaborations between the two nations.
Minister Shreinemacher sent her condolences to Morocco for the 8 September earthquake in a heartfelt show of solidarity. She also revealed that she was in charge of a group of Dutch businessmen with expertise in agriculture and water management who were there to help with the reconstruction.
Minister Shreinemacher reaffirmed her country’s commitment to assist with the earthquake-related recovery and reconstruction efforts in Morocco, highlighting the large Moroccan community (almost 400,000 people) residing in the Netherlands.
This sincere commitment underlines the close ties that exist between Morocco and the Netherlands, ties that go beyond the realms of diplomacy and trade and include support and assistance to humanitarian causes. The talks between Ministers Bourita and Shreinemacher demonstrate the enduring ties between Morocco and the Netherlands and show a continued commitment to fostering mutual cooperation and solidarity in the face of difficulties.
Relations between the Netherlands and Morocco have improved recently, including on immigration and the fight against mafias, leaving behind a diplomatic dispute between the two nations provoked by criticism from The Hague. Talks between the Moroccans and the Netherlands were revived earlier this year when Dutch Queen Máxima Zorreguieta visited the Alawite nation. During her visit the Dutch high diplomacy promoted the digital payment market, responsible and inclusive development of the technology sector.
Furthermore, taking into account the Kingdom’s privileged position in its continent and the important presence of the Moroccan public and private sector in several African countries, Aziz Akhannouch, head of the Moroccan government, emphasised the strengthening of a triangular cooperation for the benefit of friendly African countries so that Dutch companies wishing to invest in Africa can benefit from the Moroccan experience.
Source : Atalayar
