Kazakhstan and Morocco: Taking Initial Steps Towards Strategic Partnership.

The Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, arrived in Rabat on an official visit, the first of its kind in the history of bilateral relations, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

During the negotiations, the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation were discussed, including the activation of political dialogue, strengthening trade, economic and investment ties, as well as expanding contacts in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

Significant potential for deepening partnerships was noted in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, innovation, education, and tourism. In this regard, both sides expressed their readiness to further enhance the legal framework and continue the practice of exchanging visits at various levels.

In turn, N. Bourita emphasized Kazakhstan's leading role in the Central Asian region and assured of his country's firm intention to qualitatively strengthen multifaceted cooperation on a wide range of issues. In particular, the Moroccan minister noted that he views Morocco and Kazakhstan as gateways to North Africa and Central Asia, respectively.

The interlocutors highlighted a significant increase in trade turnover between the two countries, which rose by 70% last year, reaching 274 million USD. The head of Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry noted that Kazakhstan has good opportunities to increase exports of high value-added products to Morocco. Specifically, this involves expanding exports of 25 key commodity positions worth 130 million USD, including finished petrochemical products, metallurgical products, and food items.

M. Nurtleu also mentioned that the Agreement on a visa-free regime will soon come into effect, making Morocco the first country in Africa to establish a bilateral visa-free regime, which will create new opportunities for developing business relations and expanding contacts between citizens.

Special attention was paid to food security issues. The head of the Kazakh delegation expressed gratitude to Morocco for its interest in the activities of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and emphasized the importance of the prompt ratification of its Charter, as well as inviting Morocco to participate at a high level in the 7th General Assembly of the IOFS, which will be held this year in Astana.

The parties also discussed the upcoming International Astana Forum in May, which will unite the efforts of the global community in addressing pressing challenges. Furthermore, preparations for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for this year, were discussed, where Kazakhstan hopes for Morocco's high-level participation.

The topic of digitalization also played an important role in the discussions. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan expressed his country's interest in cooperating with Morocco within the framework of the "Digital Morocco 2030" program aimed at developing the digital economy and informed about the readiness of Kazakh IT companies to propose pilot projects in e-government, innovative IT solutions, and cybersecurity.

The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, noting the successful concert of the Astana Academic Philharmonic and the Great Orchestra of Rabat, which generated significant interest among the Moroccan audience.

In the tourism sector, significant potential was noted, and to further develop tourism cooperation, the parties agreed to finalize the Air Communication Agreement by 2025 and consider the possibility of launching direct flights.

As a result of the negotiations, both sides confirmed their mutual desire to further strengthen Kazakh-Moroccan relations in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. The ministers also adopted a Joint Communiqué reflecting the decision to create working groups to expand cooperation in key areas.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation led by M. Nurtleu also visited the mausoleum of Sultan and the first King Mohammed V (1909-1961). The majestic building, which houses the tomb of the monarch and two of his sons, is located in the center of Rabat, not far from the famous Hassan Tower. The head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry laid a wreath and signed the guestbook.