Romania Reaffirms Morocco as Its Leading Strategic Partner in North Africa and the Middle East
By ALDAR | Rabat
Romania on Monday reaffirmed Morocco’s position as its leading strategic partner in North Africa and the Middle East, highlighting the depth of bilateral relations during an official visit by Dacian Cioloș, Special Adviser to Romanian President Nicușor Dan.
Cioloș was received in Rabat by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, to whom he delivered a message from President Dan addressed to King Mohammed VI, underscoring Bucharest’s commitment to further strengthening ties with the Kingdom.
Speaking after the meeting, the Romanian official described Moroccan-Romanian relations as a long-standing partnership founded on mutual respect, trust and equality. He said decades of cooperation in diplomacy, trade, education and other strategic fields have made Morocco Romania’s foremost partner in North Africa and the Middle East.
Cioloș said the two countries are well positioned to deepen cooperation in the coming years, particularly in strategic industrial sectors. He highlighted the automotive and construction industries as areas offering significant opportunities for investment and joint ventures, noting that several Romanian companies are already operating in Morocco, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s economic potential and investment climate.
He also emphasized the importance of educational exchanges, revealing that more than 1,200 Moroccan students are currently enrolled in Romanian universities. According to Cioloș, these academic links represent a vital pillar of bilateral relations, fostering closer cultural understanding and strengthening long-term people-to-people ties.
The Romanian presidential adviser further underlined the role of the French language in bringing the two nations closer together. He noted that Romania remains one of the most francophone countries in Central and Eastern Europe, a factor that has helped facilitate dialogue and cooperation within the wider Francophone community.
Cioloș, who is also seeking the post of Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), praised Morocco’s growing influence within the Francophone world. He said the Kingdom plays a key role thanks to its active engagement and its strong partnerships with French-speaking countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Presenting his vision for the future of the organization, he called for a more modern and action-oriented Francophonie that places young people at the center of its mission. He argued that the French language should become a driver of economic opportunity by improving access to employment, encouraging entrepreneurship and expanding regional and international cooperation among member states.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the visit sends a strong political and economic signal of the shared determination of Rabat and Bucharest to elevate their strategic partnership. It also reflects Morocco’s growing importance in Europe’s engagement with North Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing the Kingdom’s reputation as a stable, trusted and indispensable partner for European nations seeking stronger cooperation across the region.
