Morocco, Chile Pledge to Activate Bilateral Cooperation Mechanisms, Says FM

Morocco and Chile have agreed to activate all their bilateral cooperation mechanisms, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita said, in Rabat on Wednesday. The two parties agreed to hold a political and strategic dialogue session next year, Bourita said in a press conference following his talks with Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren Stork. This new session will focus on bilateral ties as well as the two countries’ positions on issues of mutual interest, Bourita noted, recalling in this respect the High Royal Guidelines aiming to diversify Morocco’s partnerships and promote its cooperation ties with “serious and credible [countries], such as Chile.” This political and strategic dialogue will provide the opportunity to delve on issues relating to the Arab world and Africa, where Morocco could establish itself as a solid partner for Chile, he said, adding that the two countries will also work on re-activating the bilateral Joint Commission on Trade and Investment. According to Bourita, re-activating this Commission will allow the two countries to examine the ways to bolster bilateral trade, “which is still below their ambitions,” estimating that this mechanism could play a decisive role in identifying the challenges to overcome. The Minister also highlighted the significant investment potential of Morocco and Chile, stressing that the Kingdom could be a gateway to Africa for Chile, which could in turn be a gateway to South America for Morocco. Both parties, he added, are committed to promoting communication between ministerial departments in key areas such as agriculture, tourism, energy and maritime transport, by exchanging visits and organizing videoconferences to explore cooperation opportunities. Bourita underlined that the two countries have decided to coordinate their efforts in multilateral cooperation, noting that Chile has always advocated strong multilateral diplomacy, at the UN and within regional organizations, the Human Rights Council and UN agencies. Rabat and Santiago, he added, share similar visions and can work together as partners convinced that UN action, multilateralism and cooperation are the basis for solving regional and international problems, and meeting the challenges of the environment, migration and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. Bourita also pointed out that both parties signed a joint statement covering several common issues and positions, adding that Morocco commends Chile’s constructive positions on the Moroccan Sahara issue. He added that bilateral ties are based on solid foundations, mutual respect and fruitful cooperation, noting that Chile, with its solid diplomacy, influence and audible voice in the context of the major transformations underway in the region, is considered a key country for the Kingdom in Latin America. The Minister also stressed Morocco’s interest in consulting Chile on current issues and events in Latin America, given the special attention HM King Mohammed VI pays to the Kingdom’s relations with the countries of this continent, based on historical, linguistic and economic ties.