Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held talks in Marrakech on Tuesday with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif al-Zayani, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
The two ministers expressed pride in the cooperation between Rabat and Manama.
Bourita reiterated Morocco’s firm stance, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in supporting Bahrain to address any foreign intervention in its internal affairs or attempts to undermine its security, stability and national unity.
Zayani reiterated Bahrain’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, which culminated in the opening of a general consulate in the Western Sahara city of Laayoune on December 14, 2020.
In a joint statement following their meeting, the two ministers underscored the importance of holding the fifth session of the Moroccan-Bahraini High Joint Commission later this year.
Major public sector and investment institutions will take part in the session, which will focus on priority strategic sectors and target implementable projects that have a clear impact on the development and prosperity process in the two countries.
Bourita and Zayani expressed their satisfaction with the level of ongoing preparations for holding the session, during which 11 cooperation agreements will be signed covering vital sectors, such as oil, gas, renewable energy, investment and social insurance.
These agreements pave the way for governmental bodies and investment organizations to join, for the first time, in attempts to advance bilateral ties.
They further underlined the need to activate the Joint Commission on Consular Affairs by holding its first meeting.
This step contributes to setting a comprehensive vision for open and integrated consular and social cooperation, while preserving and bolstering bilateral social and humanitarian ties, and ensures that both peoples take part in their countries’ development process.
They welcomed the existing legal frameworks adopted by the two countries and governing the entry, residence and work permits for Moroccans and Bahrainis, in accordance with simplified laws and procedures.
The two ministers further reviewed the political and security situation in the Arab region, stressing the importance of joint Arab action in strengthening the capabilities of Arab countries, preserving their security and stability, and achieving sustainable development.
