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Economy and security: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Morocco for strategic dialogue
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Be it the Middle East conflict or the Sahel crisis – Morocco plays a key role due to its channels of communication. Moreover, the country is our second largest trading partner on the African continent. We want to further exploit this potential. Read on to find out more about the strategic dialogue.
We live in a world where one crisis follows another. That is why it is so important to have strong partners like Morocco that are committed to security and stability, as well as to a rules-based international order with the United Nations at its heart. Germany and Morocco have maintained diplomatic relations for 70 years. And we want to continue to strengthen and expand our partnership. To this end, Foreign Minister Wadephul is meeting his Moroccan counterpart for a strategic dialogue, which takes place every two years in Germany or Morocco. This time, the Foreign Ministers are meeting in the Moroccan capital Rabat.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated prior to his departure:
In the strategic dialogue with my counterpart Nasser Bourita, we will address a wide range of international issues. Morocco has declared its willingness to help with the implementation of the 20-point plan for Gaza and to be part of an international security force. This is evidence of the country’s stabilising role in the region, a role that we highly value and are counting on. We also have the same objective as Morocco when it comes to stabilising the Sahel region, in order to mitigate the causes of crises and displacement there.
However, Morocco is not only a regional anchor of stability, but also a real economic powerhouse. More than 300 German companies have invested in Morocco. The young and well-qualified population is a real competitive advantage – especially for technologically advanced sectors such as the automotive and aviation industries. Foreign Minister Wadephul will visit an automotive supplier to gain an insight into how we can make even better use of the huge potential of our economic relations. The Foreign Minister will be accompanied by a business delegation.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated prior to his departure:
Already now, the country is our second-largest trading partner on the African continent. And there is significant further potential for growth in our economic relations, particularly in the areas of renewable energies, critical raw materials and hydrogen. Moreover, Moroccan skilled workers are, for example, providing valuable support in the health and care sector in Germany.
Other key issues on the agenda of the strategic dialogue include cooperation in the spheres of skilled immigration and migration, the fight against transnational organised crime and terrorism.
Last but not least, the Foreign Minister’s visit will also focus on football. After all, the Moroccans are at least as enthusiastic about football as we are. The whole country is already looking forward to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain. Together with sports ambassador Karim Bellarabi, who personifies the links between our two countries in a very special way, Foreign Minister Wadephul will visit a training centre which recruits young talent.