Germany considers the Moroccan autonomy plan to be “a good basis and a very good foundation for the final settlement” of the Moroccan Sahara conflict, said German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock on Friday in Berlin.
Speaking at a press conference held at the end of the 1st session of the bilateral strategic Dialogue between Morocco and Germany, which she co-chaired with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, Baerbock highlighted the relevance of the Moroccan autonomy initiative.
She also reiterated her support for UN efforts to find a political solution to the Sahara conflict.
At the end of this first session of the Dialogue, the two ministers reaffirmed their shared interest in pursuing the implementation of the Joint Declaration and strengthening the multi-faceted partnership in all policy areas.
They also reaffirmed their desire to further develop bilateral economic and trade relations, and encouraged economic players in this respect. They underlined Morocco’s significant investment potential, as highlighted by the Moroccan Investment Charter.
In the field of migration cooperation, the ministers expressed their support for the work of the bilateral Joint Migration Group, which held its inaugural session on January 23, 2024, and welcomed the regular working meetings.
They agreed that reducing irregular migration is a common challenge and requires a comprehensive approach, guaranteeing international human rights standards. They thus agreed to continue improving professional mobility, legal migration, return, readmission and reintegration.
In terms of security cooperation, they welcomed the joint declaration signed by the Interior Ministers on October 31, 2023, aimed at resuming cooperation in all areas of domestic policy.
The two ministers stressed their shared ambition to deepen dialogue to tackle terrorism and other security challenges together, notably within the Global Coalition against Daesh and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
They underlined their fruitful cooperation in the fields of climate policy, biodiversity, renewable energies and green hydrogen, which will be intensified at a strategic level.
Bourita and Baerbock agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in the cultural and academic fields and to strengthen ties between peoples.
They also placed particular emphasis on promoting regional and international peace and security, and strengthening multilateral institutions.
The Multidimensional Strategic Dialogue is held once every two years, alternately between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Federal Republic of Germany, and is chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.
This Strategic Dialogue is based on shared values and mutual respect, with the aim of establishing the principles and foundations of relations between Morocco and Germany, defining the bases on which they will be developed, and safeguarding the priority interests of both parties.
It serves as a basis for moving forward in bilateral relations and strengthening coherence between the different areas of bilateral cooperation.
It also acts as a platform for discussion and consultation on strategic matters of mutual interest, including regional and international security and development issues.
