Morocco-Portugal: Opening of the 14th High Level Meeting in Lisbon

In a speech on the occasion of the opening of this HLM, placed under the theme  » Morocco-Portugal: Confirmation of an exemplary strategic partnership « , Mr. Akhannouch underlined that this 14th HLM is being held  » in a context of multiple meanings, and under a theme that conveys the maturity of bilateral relations, based on mutual respect and the common will to strengthen cooperation on the bilateral and multilateral levels « .

He also noted the continued commitment of the two countries to the promotion of bilateral cooperation on multidimensional levels, in accordance with the aspirations of the Heads of State of the two countries, HM King Mohammed VI and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who have ceased to surround these relations with their high solicitude.

Mr. Akhannouch also welcomed the joint candidacy presented by Morocco, Portugal and Spain for the organization of the 2030 World Cup, which should be a distinguished edition in all its sporting, human and cultural dimensions, since it This is the first World Cup organized by two continents.

“ We have no doubt that the realization of this dream will show the world a rare cultural harmony and an exceptional geographical proximity between Africa, the Arab world and Europe ,” he said.

The Head of Government noted that the two countries have succeeded, in recent years, in enriching and diversifying the legal framework of their partnership, through the establishment of a new generation of bilateral cooperation agreements in different economic fields, cultural and social.

“ Our meeting today is an opportunity to assess the results of this cooperation since the last session of the High Joint Commission held in Rabat, as well as to work together to bring together the means to activate the mechanisms of this cooperation. and enable potential difficulties to be overcome ,” he said.

These exceptional relations do not only concern the bilateral dimension, but also encompass coordination, consultation and exchange of views on several regional and international issues and challenges, Mr. Akhannouch noted.

In this sense, he noted that Morocco has shown a unique political determination in the Euro-Mediterranean region through structuring projects with strategic and forward-looking dimensions, as is the case of the electrical connection project between the two countries, a real lever for building a lasting partnership in vital sectors.

These include the renewable energy sectors, the digital economy, agriculture and transport, given the potential of Morocco and Portugal to establish a fruitful and beneficial cooperation for both parties, facilitating in addition to opening up to the African space with a view to trilateral cooperation, he added.

Furthermore, Morocco welcomes the support given by Portugal to the Kingdom’s candidacy to obtain the status of observer member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), with a view to joining this organization of great importance, and this in consecration of shared historical and cultural ties and with the aim of helping to overcome the common challenges between Morocco and the countries of this community, said Mr. Akhannouch.

In this regard, the maritime link project between a Moroccan port and the port of Portimao, in the south of Portugal, constitutes an additional asset alongside air transport which is experiencing substantial growth through a diversified offer deployed at several Moroccan airports and Portuguese, with the aim of guaranteeing an optimal flow of goods and people and encouraging tourism between the two countries.

The Head of Government also welcomed the investment efforts in the sectors of the future, such as clean energies, including green hydrogen, expressing the hope of seeing effective support for the development effort undertaken by Morocco, in particular in its southern provinces, for which it has set up an ambitious development program, aimed at making them an economic and commercial hub as a gateway to access sub-Saharan Africa

For his part, the Portuguese Prime Minister underlined that Morocco and Portugal are neighboring countries linked by strong relations, which have a weight in their Mediterranean environment.

The two countries have decided to raise their bilateral relations to the level of a long-term strategic partnership encompassing cooperation in various fields, added the Portuguese Prime Minister, noting that great opportunities are open to the two countries to strengthen their cooperation in the field of youth, employment, scientific research, industries and culture

On the sidelines of the HLM, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the Federation of Portuguese Enterprises offered the opportunity to exchange, within the framework of the « Portugal-Morocco economic forum », on the levers to be activated to strengthen further economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Linked not only by historical relations, but also by a common vision, the two countries are aware of the need to consolidate efforts and work together to meet the challenges facing the region in all areas.