King Mohammed VI Hosts Belgian PM, Cementing Bilateral Ties

Tuesday 16 April 2024 - 09:30

In a significant display of diplomatic amity, His Majesty King Mohammed VI graciously welcomed Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and his delegation with a splendid luncheon held in the capital city of Rabat on Monday. This prestigious event underscored the growing closeness between the two nations.

Chaired by Morocco's Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the luncheon convened prominent figures from both Moroccan and Belgian governmental spheres, including the Belgian Ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and External Trade. The gathering followed the 3rd meeting of the High Joint Commission for Morocco-Belgium Partnership, where Akhannouch and De Croo led discussions earlier in the day.

At the heart of the meeting lay a Joint Declaration, signaling a mutual commitment to advancing bilateral relations into a forward-looking strategic partnership, equipped to tackle contemporary and emerging challenges. Additionally, the parties sealed two memorandums of understanding and outlined a comprehensive cooperation roadmap to guide future collaboration.

Of particular note was Belgium's reiterated support for Morocco's autonomy initiative concerning Sahara, initially introduced in 2007. Prime Minister De Croo hailed the initiative as a "credible and serious endeavor" toward resolving the protracted Sahara conflict, as articulated in the joint statement.

The luncheon, characterized by both warmth and substantive dialogue, stood as a testament to Morocco and Belgium's shared vision of fostering cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains. As the event concluded, it left an enduring impression of the enduring friendship between the two nations, setting the stage for continued collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.