Rabat – Egypt has renewed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara on Monday.
Cairo renewed its position during the first session of the Moroccan-Egyptian Coordination and Follow-up Committee, convening representatives from both countries to discuss bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, chaired by Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and the Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt also endorsed the UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
The resolution adopted last year in October recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a genuine, viable solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
During his speech at the opening of the session, Akhannouch said the meeting reflects the ambition of both countries to “inject new dynamism into bilateral ties and elevate them to the level of a comprehensive and exemplary strategic partnership.”
The two countries held a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements across several sectors.
The agreement covers diplomacy, including an MoU between the Moroccan Academy for Diplomatic Studies and the Egyptian Institute for Diplomatic Studies to strengthen cooperation by establishing a framework for effective and sustainable collaboration in the training of young diplomats.
Morocco and Egypt signed an agreement covering sports, focusing on encouraging and developing partnerships in the sector through the exchange of scientific expertise in sports sciences and legislation.
The two countries also signed a series of deals covering the areas of housing and urban development, tourism, health and pharmaceutical sector, as well as renewable energies.
The session between the two countries also marked bilateral talks between Moroccan and Egyptian representatives.
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, held talks with his counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, on the sidelines of the first session of the meeting.
During the meeting, both officials discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties as well as other areas and issues of mutual interest.
Akhannouch described ties between the two countries as strong, saying this strength “rests on the clarity of our positions regarding the strategic issues of both countries.”
For Morocco’s Head of Government, achieving this model of partnership requires a balanced increase in the volume and value of bilateral ties, alongside effective implementation of free-trade agreements at regional and continental levels.
