Morocco and Slovakia Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership with New Agreements to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation
ALDAR/
On May 22, 2025, Morocco’s capital Rabat hosted an official visit by the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Juraj Blanár, at the invitation of his Moroccan counterpart, Mr. Nasser Bourita. The visit took place as part of the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During this important visit, which included a high-level economic delegation accompanying the Slovak minister, both sides reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations between Rabat and Bratislava and expressed their shared determination to deepen their multidimensional partnership and continue coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Agreement to Enhance Political and Cultural Cooperation
The two parties agreed to activate mechanisms for political dialogue and to increase high-level visits between the two countries. This was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing a political consultation mechanism between their respective foreign ministries. Both sides also emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation, especially within the framework of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
In the cultural and academic spheres, Morocco and Slovakia underlined the importance of strengthening cultural exchange and scientific cooperation—particularly in the areas of research, innovation, and the blue economy—as key drivers of human and economic development, and as a way to strengthen ties between governments and civil societies in both countries.
Advancing Economic Cooperation Toward New Prospects
Discussions focused on the need to inject new momentum into economic relations by exploring opportunities for partnerships in promising sectors such as renewable energy, green industries, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and logistics. Both parties agreed to organize regular economic forums that bring together public and private sector actors to explore avenues for cooperation and joint investment.
The joint statement emphasized support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving their access to new markets, providing appropriate financing, and building capacity—measures that contribute to job creation and sustainable development.
Mutual Commitment to Multilateral Diplomacy
Rabat and Bratislava expressed their commitment to shared values such as respect for international law, working within the framework of the United Nations, and continued coordination within international bodies on global issues like climate change, counter-terrorism, and migration.
In this context, Slovakia reiterated its support for the serious and credible efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to reach a political solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue. It praised the Moroccan autonomy initiative presented to the United Nations in 2007, considering it a realistic and serious basis for a solution. Slovakia also acknowledged the role of the MINURSO mission in supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.
Security Cooperation and a Common Approach to Migration
The talks also addressed internal security issues, including combating organized crime, cybercrime, document forgery, and human trafficking. Both parties highlighted the importance of exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation to address these shared challenges.
They also emphasized the need to adopt a cooperative and participatory approach to migration, based on dialogue and collaboration, to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling, and to manage migration pressures as a shared responsibility.
Support for Morocco’s Initiatives in Africa
On regional matters, Slovakia commended Morocco’s strategic initiatives under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly those related to the African Union’s migration agenda and Morocco’s positive role in promoting stability and development throughout the African continent.
Slovakia also reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s interests within the European Union and expressed its readiness to enhance trilateral cooperation between the Visegrád Group and Morocco in support of development efforts in Africa.
The visit concluded with the signing of a joint declaration reflecting both countries’ commitment to building a renewed partnership based on mutual trust, fruitful cooperation, and joint action for peace and development at both the regional and international levels.
