Moroccan, Egyptian FMs hold talks to boost bilateral ties

CAIRO — Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita held bilateral talks Monday in Cairo with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first session of the Morocco-Egypt Coordination and Follow-up Committee, co-chaired by the two countries’ prime ministers.

According to statements from both foreign ministries, the ministers focused on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance political, economic, and trade cooperation between the two nations. They also coordinated positions on pressing regional crises, including the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, developments in Libya and Sudan, and the need for intensified diplomatic efforts to contain tensions.

The discussions underscored the importance of continued consultation on the Libyan issue to support security, stability, and the political track as the primary path to resolving the crisis, while preserving the unity of the Libyan state. Both sides stressed the value of joint Arab and African action to address broader regional challenges.

Signing of Wide-Ranging Cooperation Agreements

During the meeting, the two ministers witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at boosting investment, trade, industrial cooperation, housing, health, tourism, and other key sectors. The documents formalise a “qualitative shift” in relations and reflect the deep historical ties between Egypt and Morocco.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty described Egypt and Morocco as key regional partners and called for deeper economic integration. His Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, emphasised the ambition of both countries’ leadership — King Mohammed VI and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi — to elevate bilateral ties to an exemplary strategic partnership based on solidarity and coordination on regional and international issues.

The talks come as the Middle East grapples with the sixth week of conflict triggered by Iran’s aerial campaign against Gulf targets since February 28. Recent strikes have hit critical infrastructure in the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq, including a drone attack on foreign oil facilities near Basra and debris from an intercepted threat that sparked a fire at Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas complex. Ceasefire negotiations involving the US, Iran, and regional mediators are reportedly underway, with discussions of a possible 45-day truce that could lead to a permanent settlement.

Both ministers highlighted the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further disruption to regional stability, maritime security, and the global economy. The meeting reflects Morocco and Egypt’s shared commitment to playing a constructive role in Arab coordination during this critical period.

Prime ministers Aziz Akhannouch of Morocco and Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt co-chaired the broader joint committee session, which officials described as marking a new stage in bilateral relations aimed at full economic integration.