Rabat: Speaker of Morocco’s House of Councillors, Mohamed Ould Errachid, held talks on Monday in Rabat with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Igli Hasani, who is on an official visit to Morocco on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ould Errachid welcomed the quality and level of Moroccan-Albanian relations, which are based on the principles of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect. He emphasized the importance of this visit in strengthening the partnership between the two countries and exploring new opportunities, particularly in the political, economic, commercial, and cultural fields, according to a press release from the House of Councillors.
Praising Albania’s economic reforms as a key factor in aligning with European Union standards, Ould Errachid highlighted the importance of elevating economic and trade cooperation to the same distinguished level as political relations between the two countries. He also stressed the need to focus on strategic sectors such as the automotive industry, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and mining.
In this regard, he underscored the central role of bilateral economic cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Joint Cooperation Commission and the Morocco-Albania Business Forum, in strengthening trade exchanges and investments. Ould Errachid also commended the shared determination of both countries to revive political dialogue and consultation mechanisms at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. These efforts would pave the way for a renewed partnership, address challenges and meet mutual aspirations, given their strategic positioning and the vast opportunities available for deepening bilateral cooperation, he noted.
On the parliamentary front, Ould Errachid assured that the House, in line with its constitutional prerogatives, is committed to developing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. This includes increasing the exchange of visits and expertise, promoting collaboration within regional and international parliamentary unions, and establishing more effective cooperation mechanisms. In this context, he suggested launching a Morocco-Albania parliamentary friendship group and creating a joint parliamentary forum.
Regarding Morocco’s territorial integrity, he welcomed Albania’s supportive stance on the UN-led process concerning the Moroccan Sahara. He noted that Albania considers the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as a serious and credible basis for resolving this regional dispute. This position aligns with the broad and growing international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, reflecting the international community’s backing of Morocco’s vision, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of the Moroccan Sahara.
For his part, Igli Hasani highlighted the deep historical ties between two countries that share values of openness, tolerance, and a strong attachment to their civilizational identity. He reiterated his country’s desire to elevate its relations with Morocco to a higher level across various fields, particularly in the economic sector. Furthermore, he commended Morocco’s major reforms under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, emphasizing that these reforms contribute to shaping a new political, social, and economic development approach in the Kingdom.