The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, on Monday reaffirmed the “immense value” the EU places on its strategic partnership with Morocco.

 “The 27 [member states] wish to deepen the partnership between Morocco and the EU, which is a long-term, extensive, and profound partnership,” stated the EU High Representative during a press conference presenting the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg.

 “We have established friendly relations and multi-faceted cooperation with Morocco, and we wish to continue and strengthen it in the coming months,” he assured.

He added that EU foreign ministers took note of the European Court of Justice rulings on the EU-Morocco fisheries and agricultural agreements.

 In this regard, the EU’s chief diplomat reiterated the content of the joint statement with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirming the EU bloc’s commitment to further preserving and strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas, in line with the principle of ‘pacta sunt servanda.’

 “In close cooperation with Morocco, the EU wishes to strengthen these relations and preserve this partnership in all areas,” he concluded.

Two of the three countries designated as hosts of the milestone 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco and Portugal are also strengthening bilateral relationships that are over a century old. Coincidentally both countries along with Spain are hosting the edition of the World Cup that marks 100 years of the global event.

At the weekend, Portugal took note of the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union on  regarding the agreements between the European Union and Morocco in the areas of fisheries and agricultural product liberalization.

Portugal considers that the partnership between the European Union and Morocco is essential and will work with European partners and institutions to deepen it in all areas.

On a bilateral level, Portugal and Morocco also have a strategic partnership marked by a long-standing relationship of respect and friendship, with substantial political, diplomatic, and economic ties.

In this year, which marks the 250th anniversary of the peace treaty, strengthening relations with Morocco, both bilaterally and at the European level, is a strategic priority for Portugal.

The efforts of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to ensure global peace have been hailed by the United States. This is an outcome of the high-level meeting held on Tuesday by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Washington, D.C.

In a press statement issued by Matthew Miller, the spokesman in the office of US Secretary of State, Blinken expressed appreciation for King Mohamed VI’s crucial voice in advancing a more peaceful and secure Middle East region. 

The Secretary highlighted Morocco’s leadership in responding to humanitarian needs in Gaza, supporting stabilization in the West Bank, and contributing to the revitalization of the Palestinian Authority.  The Secretary welcomed Morocco’s ongoing efforts to end the political stalemate in Libya and address instability in the Sahel.

The Secretary affirmed full U.S. support for UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Staffan de Mistura and his efforts to advance negotiations leading to an enduring and dignified political solution for Western Sahara without further delay.  He reiterated that the United States continues to view Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as serious, credible, realistic, and one potential approach to satisfy the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara.