Rabat: The visit of Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, to Morocco reflects the willingness of both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations and establish a genuine partnership in all fields, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita said Saturday. Speaking at a joint press briefing following his talks with Hasani, who is on a working visit to the Kingdom from March 1 to 4, Bourita emphasized that this first-of-its-kind visit by the Albanian minister holds particular significance, as it takes place within the framework of the strong relations between the two countries.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Morocco and Albania share strong and historic ties based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation. These relations, while built on solid foundations, need further energizing through institutional mechanisms, enrichment in substance, and elevation in ambition. Bourita stressed that both countries agreed to reactivate the political dialogue mechanism, noting that a Joint Commission meeting will be held before the end of this year.
Bourita also highlighted that several identified sectoral cooperation areas could be developed in line with both parties’ aspirations. Both sides agreed to enhance the legal framework to encourage the private sector to play a more active role in bilateral relations, mentioning the possibility of organizing an economic forum that will bring together business leaders from both countries before the end of the year, aiming to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Emphasizing that Morocco considers Albania a key player in the Western Balkans and one of the countries with an essential role in the stability and development of the region, Bourita stressed that Albania could serve as Morocco’s gateway to that part of the world, while Morocco could become a strategic hub for Albania’s private sector in Africa. In addition, Bourita underlined that the Joint Statement signed between the two countries includes several key points, forming a true roadmap for the development of bilateral relations between Morocco and Albania in the years to come.