Morocco Designated ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner

Morocco has reached an agreement in principle with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, making it the first African country to acquire this status. The designation came during the 56th meeting of member states’ foreign ministers, on July 11-12 in Jakarta (Indonesia), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The multi-faceted collaboration would help foster regional peace, stability, security, growth, and prosperity. It is also an opportunity to diversify the Kingdom’s partners.
The agreement is a significant step forward in regional cooperation, as it would open new channels for economic, social, and cultural exchanges.
Morocco submitted to ASEAN, in February 2018, an action plan for collaboration focusing on areas of shared interest. The plan was updated in February 2023 to reflect recent developments, particularly the impact of the Covid-19.
Morocco has confirmed its readiness to share its expertise with ASEAN countries in a variety of areas, as part of a win-win, south-south partnership. The Kingdom has a long, internationally-recognized experience in agriculture, food security, fisheries, trade, tourism, and education.
Morocco joined the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in September 2016, which was an endorsement of its presence in Southeast Asian regional organizations. The country signed two MoUs with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in 2017 and 2022, which comprises Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
ASEAN is a political and economic grouping of 10 member states in Southeast Asia. Created in 1967, the bloc brings together Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.