Latest news with #StrategicDialogue
Maroc
2 days ago
- Politics
- Maroc
UK Position Will Strengthen Momentum Around Moroccan Sahara Issue Under HM the King's Leadership
The position expressed by the United Kingdom regarding the Moroccan Sahara will help reinforce the momentum this issue has gained under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, stated Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, on Sunday in Rabat. This position represents "a significant development," given that the United Kingdom is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a member of the Group of Friends of the UN Secretary-General on the Sahara, noted Bourita during a press briefing with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lammy. In this regard, the minister noted that "four countries within the Group of Friends of the UN Secretary-General on the Sahara have now joined this dynamic and expressed support for the Autonomy Initiative—namely France, the United States, Spain, and now the United Kingdom." Bourita also emphasized that the United Kingdom has always been an influential and credible voice at the European, UN, and international levels. He added that this position will also have positive economic implications, as UK Export Finance may consider supporting investment projects in the southern provinces of the Kingdom. He stressed that Morocco does not view the growing support for its position on the Sahara as a privilege or a means of maintaining the status quo, but rather as a factor that can help bring about a resolution to a conflict that has lasted more than 50 years. Bourita noted that the United Nations and the international community now have a real opportunity to reach a definitive solution to this dispute, based on the Autonomy Initiative proposed by Morocco within the framework of its sovereignty. He expressed hope that all parties will engage seriously in finding a lasting resolution to the issue. Furthermore, Bourita described Lammy's visit to the Kingdom as "historic" in many respects. He explained that this is the first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary to Morocco since 2011, and it will allow for a qualitative leap in bilateral relations. It also provided an opportunity to hold the 5th session of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries and to discuss various bilateral and regional issues. "This visit is also significant and historic in that it enabled the United Kingdom to express its position on the Moroccan Sahara," the minister added, noting that the joint communiqué signed on this occasion affirms that the United Kingdom "considers the Autonomy Proposal presented [by Morocco] in 2007 as the most credible, serious, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution to the regional dispute" over the Moroccan Sahara, and "will continue to act at the bilateral level, particularly in economic matters, as well as regionally and internationally, in line with this position." Bourita also stated that this visit marks a turning point in relations between the two countries. He emphasized that, in line with the High Royal Directives aimed at diversifying and strengthening partnerships, Morocco has engaged in a dialogue to further develop "our bilateral relations based on the centuries-old ties between the two countries and the special relationship uniting the two Royal Families." As a result, the minister stressed that the two countries are working to inject new momentum into their bilateral relations and to elevate the Morocco-UK partnership to cover all sectors, including the economy, security, culture, defense, investment, education, and scientific research. In addition, Bourita recalled that four agreements were signed on this occasion, with more expected to be concluded in the coming two days, giving new impetus to Morocco–UK relations and ushering in a new era of bilateral cooperation. (MAP: 02 June 2025)
Maroc
2 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
5th Session of Strategic Dialogue: Morocco, UK Committed to Strengthening Bilateral Partnership Across Several Strategic Areas
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lammy, co-chaired, Sunday in Rabat, the 5th session of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries. This 5th session comes at a significant moment in the relations between the two countries, marked by the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation and by the UK's support for the Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco in 2007. It is distinguished by a shared commitment from both Ministers to open a new, more ambitious and forward-looking chapter of cooperation, for the benefit of both nations, including an African dimension aimed at contributing to peace, security and economic development across the continent. This new session provided an opportunity for the two Ministers to exchange views on questions of common interest and to reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening political and security dialogue, as well as deepening and diversifying economic partnership. Launched in London on July 5, 2018, this Strategic Dialogue serves as an important mechanism to consolidate the historic ties between the two Kingdoms and to further reinforce and deepen bilateral relations. The Strategic Dialogue is structured around key themes for strengthening bilateral cooperation: political, security, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and also covers regional, international, and multilateral issues. (MAP: 01 June 2025)
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Western Sahara: UK Endorses Moroccan Autonomy Plan in Landmark Diplomatic Meeting
Rabat – The UK has thrown its full support behind Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. The move was formalized in a joint press statement signed Sunday in Rabat by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, during what officials described as a turning point in bilateral ties. 'This is the first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary to Morocco since 2011,' Bourita noted, addressing reporters alongside Lammy. 'I must remind His Excellency David, my dear friend, that when we met a year ago, we discussed this very matter.' Recalling promises made, Bourita added: 'The first was that, under your mandate, the UK Foreign Secretary would pay an official visit to Morocco. The second was that this visit would mark a turning point, a game-changer, in our bilateral relations.' The visit did just that. The UK affirmed that Morocco's Autonomy Plan, presented in 2007, offers a 'serious, credible, and realistic basis' for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. It also confirmed that UK Export Finance could consider supporting economic development projects in the southern provinces of Morocco, in line with London's broader commitment to mobilize £5 billion in investments across the country. 'This visit is also particularly meaningful due to a major development in the United Kingdom's position on the Moroccan Sahara,' Bourita stated. 'From today onward, we will work together bilaterally, regionally, and internationally, grounding our relations in this strategic partnership.' Bourita described the moment as 'one of great significance, if not historic,' explaining that it coincided with the fifth session of the Morocco–UK Strategic Dialogue, a platform he said would open a 'new phase in our relations.' Moreover, Lammy acknowledged the weight of the Western Sahara issue for Rabat, affirming London's understanding of its historical and political significance. 'The UK knows how important the Western Sahara is to Morocco,' he said, stressing the need to move toward a final settlement. 'The time for a resolution is long overdue. We understand the urgent need to secure a definitive and lasting solution, one that delivers a better future for the people of the region.' The ministers signed four new agreements covering areas such as trade, defense, research, and investment, with more expected in the coming days. The UK's new stance aligns it with other major international powers that support Morocco's territorial integrity. Bourita noted that Morocco does not see this support as a symbolic gesture. 'Morocco has never viewed this international momentum as merely symbolic, nor as a diplomatic gesture to maintain the status quo. Instead, we see it as a concrete path toward resolving a conflict that has persisted for over 50 years.' London's position carries particular weight as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Morocco's foreign minister emphasized the need for renewed UN involvement: 'This is an opportunity for the United Nations and the international community to act, to reach a final resolution based on Morocco's Autonomy Initiative.' He concluded by reiterating the principles that guide Morocco's foreign policy. 'His Majesty has defined two guiding principles for Moroccan diplomacy: clarity and ambition. Through our recent dialogue with the United Kingdom, many issues have now become clear, and this clarity paves the way for ambition.' With the UK now on board, Morocco's autonomy initiative gains new momentum and increasing international power. What had long been a regional stalemate may now be edging closer to a full international consensus — one that reflects changing geopolitical alignments and Morocco's assertive diplomatic strategy. Tags: autonomy planmorocco western saharaUK MoroccoWestern sahara
Sharjah 24
23-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Strategic partnership: 17th session of UAE-France Dialogue
Co-chaired by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the strategic dialogue builds upon the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and France. For more than 50 years, the UAE and France have forged an exceptional relationship marked by friendship, mutual trust and landmark initiatives such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The 2025 Strategic Dialogue facilitated cooperation between the UAE and France in six priority fields: economy, education, culture, space, nuclear energy, and health. In each of these areas, the two sides reached a consensus on renewed and joint initiatives. The dialogue also reinforced a future-oriented strategic partnership with a growing emphasis on emerging areas of shared interest – most notably, artificial intelligence. In light of the sustained diplomatic momentum between the UAE and France, this year's Strategic Dialogue witnessed the signing of the Political Consultations Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a formal and recurring framework for high-level political dialogue between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The MoU was signed by Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, and Frédéric Mondoloni, Director-General for Political and Security Affairs, following the first bilateral political consultations session ever to take place between the UAE and France, held in Paris on 8th April 2025. The session, co-chaired by Lana Nusseibeh and Frédéric Mondoloni, provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange strategic assessments and policy perspectives on regional developments, multilateral cooperation, and shared priorities in global governance. The signing reflects a mutual resolve to institutionalise political coordination at the highest levels and to anchor the strategic partnership in a structured, forward-looking diplomatic architecture. Both sides commended the remarkable strength of the bilateral economic relationship and expressed their intent to build on the momentum embodied by the official visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Paris in February 2025, which paved the way for both countries to materialise their shared ambition of becoming strategic partners in AI. The co-chairs welcomed the major Emirati investment announced during the Choose France Summit to further expand this strategic partnership in AI. The two sides reviewed the ongoing implementation of the strategic bilateral investment partnerships signed in December 2021. They also discussed various strategic projects in the fields of investments, transportation (including air transport), technology, and energy between UAE and French companies. Both sides commended the announcement to launch negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the European Union. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to education by the expansion and support of the French school network as well as the teaching of French as a third language in public schools. It was agreed that consideration for the possibility of implementation of French language from primary school (cycle one) onwards could yield even greater outcomes, and the UAE Ministry of Education will study the feasibility of integrating French into the school curriculum. They reviewed the ongoing collaboration in higher education and expressed satisfaction with the development of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, with many key projects and growth in student enrollment. In addition, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be renewing the 10-year agreement in 2026. Both parties welcomed the successes in new technologies, particularly the development of 42 Abu Dhabi, the launch of Rubika's video game design programme, and the collaboration between École Polytechnique and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Building on this momentum, a conference on research and innovation, set to be held in Abu Dhabi by the end of 2025, could serve as a significant milestone in further strengthening and shaping the future of the bilateral relationship. Both parties welcomed the success of the Louvre Abu Dhabi as the flagship of the bilateral cultural partnership and expressed their shared interest in pursuing further cooperation on the museum. They highlighted the strategic partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Agence France Muséums, particularly through the Muséopro training programme. They welcomed the progress of discussions on the restoration of the Grand Trianon in Versailles. In relation to space cooperation, both sides emphasised their intention to broaden cooperation in the field of exploration, particularly in human spaceflight. They also confirmed their commitment to fostering a space ecosystem between French and Emirati stakeholders. More broadly, they committed to reinforce their strategic partnership by exploring new initiatives such as establishing common infrastructures, joint projects, and a French-Emirati Space Hub. In relation to nuclear energy, both sides reaffirmed their strong partnership in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. They welcome acknowledging the continued cooperation between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and leading French institutions, including Électricité de France, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Framatome, Andra, and the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR). Both sides underscored their shared commitment to supporting the Tripling Nuclear Energy initiative and exploring future opportunities in advanced reactor technologies, small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fuel assurance, cybersecurity, and sustainable hydrogen production. In the health sector, both sides discussed a range of mutually significant topics aimed at strengthening bilateral healthcare cooperation. The discussions encompassed academic and hospital collaboration, the facilitation of international patient care, and joint engagements with international partners such as the OECD and Sanofi. In addition, both sides explored opportunities in advanced fields, including AI training and genomics, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and the advancement of healthcare systems in both nations. In addition, the Strategic Dialogue included a productive discussion on regional and international files. Both parties expressed their continued commitment to peace, stability, and security in line with international law and emphasised the need to find just and sustainable solutions to the crises in the region. UAE attendees at the Strategic Dialogue included Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs; Sara Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of Department of Culture and Tourism; Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency and UAE Ambassador to Austria; Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre; and Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions Department at the UAE Space Agency. The delegations also included ambassadors to both countries, as well as officials from key entities representing priority sectors in the UAE and France. At the conclusion of the 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, both sides emphasised their unwavering commitment to further deepening the longstanding strategic partnership between the UAE and France.
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Strategic partnership focused on future: 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue
23 May 2025 20:48 PARIS (WAM)In continuation of the longstanding strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the French Republic, and consistent with the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, the 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue was held in Paris on by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the strategic dialogue builds upon the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and more than 50 years, the UAE and France have forged an exceptional relationship marked by friendship, mutual trust and landmark initiatives such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu 2025 Strategic Dialogue facilitated cooperation between the UAE and France in six priority fields: economy, education, culture, space, nuclear energy, and health. In each of these areas, the two sides reached a consensus on renewed and joint dialogue also reinforced a future-oriented strategic partnership with a growing emphasis on emerging areas of shared interest – most notably, artificial light of the sustained diplomatic momentum between the UAE and France, this year's Strategic Dialogue witnessed the signing of the Political Consultations Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a formal and recurring framework for high-level political dialogue between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign MoU was signed by Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, and Frédéric Mondoloni, Director-General for Political and Security Affairs, following the first bilateral political consultations session ever to take place between the UAE and France, held in Paris on April 8, session, co-chaired by Lana Nusseibeh and Frédéric Mondoloni, provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange strategic assessments and policy perspectives on regional developments, multilateral cooperation, and shared priorities in global signing reflects a mutual resolve to institutionalise political coordination at the highest levels and to anchor the strategic partnership in a structured, forward-looking diplomatic sides commended the remarkable strength of the bilateral economic relationship and expressed their intent to build on the momentum embodied by the official visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Paris in February 2025, which paved the way for both countries to materialise their shared ambition of becoming strategic partners in co-chairs welcomed the major Emirati investment announced during the Choose France Summit to further expand this strategic partnership in AI. The two sides reviewed the ongoing implementation of the strategic bilateral investment partnerships signed in December also discussed various strategic projects in the fields of investments, transportation (including air transport), technology, and energy between UAE and French companies. Both sides commended the announcement to launch negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the European two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to education by the expansion and support of the French school network as well as the teaching of French as a third language in public was agreed that consideration for the possibility of implementation of French language from primary school (cycle one) onwards could yield even greater outcomes, and the UAE Ministry of Education will study the feasibility of integrating French into the school reviewed the ongoing collaboration in higher education and expressed satisfaction with the development of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, with many key projects and growth in student enrollment. In addition, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be renewing the 10-year agreement in parties welcomed the successes in new technologies, particularly the development of 42 Abu Dhabi, the launch of Rubika's video game design programme, and the collaboration between École Polytechnique and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial on this momentum, a conference on research and innovation, set to be held in Abu Dhabi by the end of 2025, could serve as a significant milestone in further strengthening and shaping the future of the bilateral parties welcomed the success of the Louvre Abu Dhabi as the flagship of the bilateral cultural partnership and expressed their shared interest in pursuing further cooperation on the museum. They highlighted the strategic partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Agence France Muséums, particularly through the Muséopro training programme. They welcomed the progress of discussions on the restoration of the Grand Trianon in space cooperation, both sides emphasised their intention to broaden cooperation in the field of exploration, particularly in human spaceflight. They also confirmed their commitment to fostering a space ecosystem between French and Emirati broadly, they committed to reinforcing their strategic partnership by exploring new initiatives such as establishing common infrastructures, joint projects, and a French-Emirati Space nuclear energy, both sides reaffirmed their strong partnership in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. They welcome acknowledging the continued cooperation between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and leading French institutions, including Électricité de France, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Framatome, Andra, and the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR).Both sides underscored their shared commitment to supporting the Tripling Nuclear Energy initiative and exploring future opportunities in advanced reactor technologies, small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fuel assurance, cybersecurity, and sustainable hydrogen the health sector, both sides discussed a range of mutually significant topics aimed at strengthening bilateral healthcare cooperation. The discussions encompassed academic and hospital collaboration, the facilitation of international patient care, and joint engagements with international partners such as the OECD and addition, both sides explored opportunities in advanced fields, including AI training and genomics, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and the advancement of healthcare systems in both Strategic Dialogue further included a productive discussion on regional and international files. Both parties expressed their continued commitment to peace, stability, and security in line with international law and emphasised the need to find just and sustainable solutions to the crises in the attendees at the Strategic Dialogue included Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs; Sara Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of Department of Culture and Tourism; Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency and UAE Ambassador to Austria; Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre; and Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions Department at the UAE Space delegations also included ambassadors to both countries, as well as officials from key entities representing priority sectors in the UAE and France. At the conclusion of the 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, both sides emphasised their unwavering commitment to further deepening the longstanding strategic partnership between the UAE and France.
