Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Morocco welcomes strengthened bilateral cooperation
Bern, 23.06.2023 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, visited Rabat on 22 and 23 June at the invitation of his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. Switzerland and Morocco enjoy excellent bilateral relations and are further expanding their partnerships in trade, sustainable development and scientific research.
Swiss–Moroccan ties have become even stronger and more diversified since the two countries signed a joint declaration 18 months ago. "Our partnership is very strong, and we are already reaping the tangible benefits from our joint efforts", said a delighted Cassis and his Moroccan counterpart at the end of their working meeting.
Since the two countries signed a joint declaration, there have been a number of results. In November 2022, Switzerland and Morocco signed a bilateral agreement on climate cooperation at COP27 in Egypt. The agreement is intended to help Switzerland reach its climate targets via emissions offsetting while boosting Swiss investment in Morocco and scaling up cooperation in sustainable development projects as well.
A memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation signed by the two countries in 2022 has also led to around 10 joint academic research projects between Swiss and Moroccan institutions. In addition, the two foreign ministers welcomed the forthcoming creation of a Swiss–Moroccan permanent joint migration group, which will enable exchange and cooperation in this field. Morocco is a major host and transit country on the migration route to Europe.
Mr Cassis and Mr Bourita also highlighted the excellent developments in economic relations between the two countries, Morocco being Switzerland's second-largest trading partner in North Africa and its third-largest export market on the African continent. Bilateral trade continued to rise in 2022, reaching around CHF 780 million. More than 60 Swiss companies are based in Morocco, generating almost 8,000 jobs in cutting-edge sectors such as agri-food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as precision machinery and instruments.
Regional developments on the agenda
The outlook regarding recent developments in the Middle East, North Africa and the African continent as a whole was a focal point for the talks. The two ministers reviewed where Swiss and Moroccan efforts share common ground, particularly in the Libyan peace process, the crisis in Sudan, and challenges in the Sahel. Mr Cassis reaffirmed the Swiss position on Western Sahara, whereby Switzerland continues to support the efforts of the UN and the UN secretary-general's special envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Switzerland has reiterated the importance of serious and credible efforts by Morocco to find a solution based on compromise. It takes note of Morocco's Western Sahara Autonomy Proposal submitted to the UN secretary-general in 2007 and urges all parties to continue their commitment in a spirit of compromise.
Switzerland and Morocco are connected by its geographical proximity to Europe and by cultural ties, including the French language. In 2021, the two countries celebrated the centenary of Switzerland's diplomatic presence in Morocco. The first Swiss representation was opened in Casablanca in 1921.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
