Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu visited Morocco, marking the start of a strategic partnership. Key discussions included enhancing political, trade, and cultural relations, with a focus on sectors such as energy, technology, and tourism. A visa-free regime is set to be established, and trade has significantly increased between the countries.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu made his inaugural official visit to Morocco, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations at the invitation of Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita. Discussions centered on enhancing political dialogue, trade, economic and investment relationships, alongside cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The talks identified significant opportunities for collaboration in energy, transportation, agriculture, digital technologies, education, and tourism. Both nations committed to improving the legal framework and fostering exchange visits at various levels to strengthen their partnership.
Kazakhstan recognizes Morocco as a vital ally in the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing the productive political dialogue built over three decades. Minister Bourita acknowledged Kazakhstan’s role in Central Asia and expressed Morocco’s commitment to enriching multifaceted cooperation.
There has been a notable growth in trade, with a 70% increase last year, raising the turnover to $274 million. Both ministers discussed enhancing Kazakhstan’s exports of high-value goods to Morocco, including petrochemical, metallurgical, and food products.
An upcoming visa-free regime between the two nations is set to take effect soon, making Morocco the first African nation to establish such an agreement with Kazakhstan, thereby facilitating business interactions and citizen exchanges.
Food security was a crucial topic, with discussions around Morocco’s support for the Islamic Organization for Food Security’s activities and an invitation for high-level participation in its upcoming General Assembly in Astana. Discussions also covered forthcoming international forums addressing global challenges.
The potential for digital cooperation through Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” initiative was highlighted, with Kazakhstan offering to present pilot projects in e-government and cybersecurity. Cultural ties were also underscored by the success of a recent joint concert between the Academic Philharmonic of Astana and the Grand Orchestra of Rabat.
The tourism sector was explored, with plans to enhance cooperation by finalizing an air transport agreement and considering direct flights. Both nations affirmed their intent to deepen relations across political, economic, and humanitarian realms, culminating in a Joint Communiqué that announced the establishment of working groups for key sector collaborations.
The Kazakh delegation’s visit included a stop at the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, where Minister Nurtleu honored the monarch’s memory with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Kazakhstan’s first official visit to Morocco underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, digital technology, and cultural exchange. The upcoming visa-free regime and increased trade—anchored by a significant growth in turnover—illustrate both nations’ commitment to enhancing cooperation. Progress in food security, tourism, and digitalization further highlights the strategic partnership potential for both countries.
Original Source: dknews.kz
