The Governments of Morocco and Portugal signed 12 bilateral agreements at the end of the 14th High-Level Meeting between the two countries. The documents include fields such as non-discrimination and the protection of women’s rights.
During a ceremony presided over by the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa, in Lisbon’s Palácio Foz, 12 bilateral legal instruments were signed by Aziz Akhannouch and Morocco.
He emphasized that Morocco and Portugal are not just neighboring countries, but also the interface between Europe and Africa, situated between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The Prime Minister of Portugal acknowledged the fact that high-level meetings between the two countries had resumed after a 6-year hiatus, highlighting this during his speech after the signing of the agreements.
At this summit, we have decided to upgrade our relationship to a strategic partnership in order to foster wider cooperation not only between governments at different political levels but also between our companies and among our peoples.
“Ensuring peace serves as a reliable assurance of security and confidence among all, as stated by the Portuguese Prime Minister, who believes that after 250 years, it is imperative to embrace a broader perspective for envisioning the future.”
During the summer period, António Costa also took the opportunity to publicly express gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco for “his ongoing assistance” and “constant support maintained with Portugal in the area of civil defense” by providing Canadair planes.
Companionship and collaboration.
The Moroccan Prime Minister, in turn, stated that Morocco and Portugal share a fraternal relationship, always with the backing of the leadership of both nations. He added that this gathering demonstrated the profound friendship and collaboration that currently exists between both countries.
During his speech, Aziz Akhannouch also noted the joint proposal of Spain, Morocco, and Portugal to host the World Cup in 2030.
The Prime Minister of Morocco also stated that this strategic partnership between the two countries will now be the ideal framework for political cooperation and dialogue between the foreign ministers of both countries.
“We express our willingness to continue our strategic cooperation with Portugal and take this to a new high level through new bilateral agreements.”
Agreements.
The first agreement, signed today, concerns cooperation in civil protection with a view to mutual assistance in the event of a disaster.
On behalf of Ana Catarina Mendes, Portugal’s representative for Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, signed a memorandum of understanding encompassing various areas such as youth, women, and the battle against non-discrimination.
Morocco and Portugal have also entered into memoranda of understanding for cooperation in legal training and the administration of justice, as well as for the social insertion and security of rural populations in areas requiring assistance and development.
Memoranda in the field of social development and sustainable research, particularly focusing on the economy, also emerged from this meeting, with a specific emphasis on understanding handicrafts in the social realm.
By 2025, a prior cultural and scientific accord endorsed by both nations will be enacted, as determined by the executive branches of Lisbon and Rabat, who also resolved to establish a program.
At the peak, agreements were also achieved on collaboration in the tourism sector and harbors.