Latest news with #AutonomyPlanfor
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Bourita, Kenya PM Inaugurate Country's First Embassy in Rabat
Doha – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi inaugurated Kenya's first embassy in Rabat on Monday. This is set to be the country's third diplomatic mission in North Africa, after Algeria and Egypt. The celebration also marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. 'This inauguration opens a new chapter in our bilateral relations,' Bourita stated during the ceremony. He noted the embassy would serve as a 'bridge' for future partnership between the two nations. Mudavadi asserted the new diplomatic mission 'offers both countries the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in various domains.' The Kenyan diplomat also reaffirmed his country's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Western Sahara. The diplomatic normalization process began in September 2022 when Kenyan President William Ruto signaled an end to Kenya's decades-long recognition of the fictitious 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic' (SADR). Kenya previously hosted the separatist Polisario Front's self-proclaimed president, Brahim Ghali, and maintained a bogus Sahrawi mission in Nairobi. Relations accelerated rapidly afterward. In March 2023, Kenya's foreign affairs secretary made the first official visit to Rabat. By December 2023, Kenyan senators formally called on their government to open an embassy in Morocco. The relationship continued to strengthen in 2024. In March, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya became Kenya's first ambassador to Morocco. She presented her credentials to Bourita on August 30 of the same year. During today's visit, the two officials signed four memorandums of understanding. These agreements cover habitat, urbanism, youth, services, trade, and diplomatic training. Bourita announced the creation of a joint cooperation commission before year's end, complemented by an economic forum uniting business leaders from both nations. 'The Moroccan-Kenyan partnership should extend to strategic sectors including phosphates, fertilizers, and renewable energy,' Bourita said. He stressed that 'Morocco considers Kenya an essential actor in Africa.' Both ministers foregrounded the importance of political consultations within international forums. These consultations aim to align viewpoints on subjects of common interest, following principles of peace preservation and respect for state sovereignty. Kenya's official stance on the Sahara issue was formalized in a joint statement: 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation.' The statement added that Kenya 'welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco.' Mudavadi said Kenya follows with great interest Morocco's major diplomatic initiatives. He particularly praised those 'initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which deserve attention and support to achieve peaceful solutions to tensions and conflicts on the African continent.' The prime minister called the Moroccan economy 'emerging' and 'a leader on the continent.' He commended Morocco's support for African integration mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Morocco announced it would offer electronic visas to Kenyan citizens, reciprocating Kenya's similar policy for Moroccans. Rabat also pledged support for Nairobi, the headquarters of UN Environment, to host the next international conference on plastic pollution. Tags: morocco kenyaNasser Bourita
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Hungary Ambassador Visits Dakhla as Companies Explore Investment Opportunities
Rabat – Hungary has taken a strong step in supporting Morocco's position on Western Sahara, as its Ambassador to Rabat, Miklós Tromler, began a three-day visit to Dakhla, a key city in Morocco's southern provinces. The visit, which runs from May 12 to 14, reflects Hungary's growing political support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. The plan has received increasing international backing, including from the United States and France. During his visit, Tromler is scheduled to meet with high-ranking local officials, including the Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the Director General of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), members of the Regional Council, and the Regional Delegate of Tourism. His schedule also includes visits to major development projects such as the construction site of the Dakhla Atlantic Port, the local artisanal complex, and the seawater desalination plant. Hungary Looks to Invest in Dakhla Speaking to the press in Dakhla on Monday, Tromler said Hungarian companies are increasingly interested in investing in the region, which he described as 'a beautiful area full of potential and key development projects.' He noted that some Hungarian businesses are considering establishing operations in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, attracted by its growth and the opportunities it offers in areas like tourism, agriculture, fishing, and renewable energy. Tromler commended the openness and responsiveness of local authorities, who he said are helping to create real partnerships with Moroccan economic operators. The ambassador, accompanied by his economic and commercial advisor, noted the region's dynamic development and its strategic value for future economic cooperation. He also noted that Morocco became Hungary's top trade partner in Africa in 2023. 'This strategic partnership, based on mutual respect, opens the door to new areas of collaboration,' Tromler stated. The visit carries strong political meaning. By traveling to Dakhla, Tromler joins a growing list of international diplomats who have made similar trips to Morocco's Western Sahara region. Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó recently instructed the ambassador to make the visit as a show of support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara. After meeting his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Budapest last month, Szijjártó reaffirmed Hungary's support for the Autonomy Plan as the best solution under the UN framework. Hungary aligns with countries like the US and France, which view Morocco's initiative as serious and credible, he announced, stressing that the Hungarian embassy in Rabat will provide consular services to all Moroccan citizens across the North African country. Tags: hungary MoroccoWestern sahara
