Following a high level meeting in Helsinki between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and his Finnish peer, Elina Valtnonen, a joint press communiqué was issued in which Finland highlighted Morocco’s political stability, and welcomed the reforms carried out by the kingdom to create a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy.
At the meeting, Finland recognised Morocco’s key position as a gateway between Africa and Europe, its important role in the EU-Africa partnership, and its contribution to the enhancement of regional cooperation and stability in the region, the fight against terrorism and cooperation on cross-border migration management.
The communiqué also touched on the issue of Moroccan sovereignty of the Western Sahara, stating that “Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties.” The communiqué reiterated support for the “political process aimed at reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”.
Both ministers also expressed their common position on the exclusive role of the United Nations in the political process, reaffirming their support for the UN Security Council resolutions and the support of their respective countries for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, aimed at advancing this process. Finland’s position is part of the momentum of international support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara and the Autonomy Plan.
The two Ministers committed to expand their annual political consultations to include economic and business interests, and agreed to hold a business seminar in 2025 to encourage cooperation between key economic sectors from both countries.
