Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing to hammer out in more detail how the two countries can work together more closely.
At the meeting, Akhannouch and Ding Xuexiang commended the strong bilateral relations between Morocco and China, noting the already robust collaboration across political, economic, social, cultural, and educational domains, acknowledging the mutual support in regional and international forums they already enjoy.
The head of government highlighted the impact of King Mohammed VI’s 2016 visit to China on the advancement of Morocco-China relations through the establishment of a strategic partnership. He reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to further strengthening this relationship, particularly through the tripartite cooperation framework among Morocco, China, and Africa.
Akhannouch highlighted several Moroccan initiatives for Africa, including the Royal Atlantic Initiative designed to facilitate greater access for landlocked Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic African States Process (PEAA). He also covered the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, a key initiative designed to establish an integrated energy corridor from west to north Africa that is expected to drive regional economic growth.
Citing the visit of King Mohammed VI in 2016 as a pivotal point, China’s VP commended the already exceptional quality of China and Morocco’s relations.
“China is committed to strengthening cooperation with Morocco in areas including infrastructure, trade, investment, culture, education, and tourism,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a reception for the Moroccan delegation hosted by China’s Prime Minister.
The FOCAC culminates today in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing attended by several African heads of state and government officials.
Morocco’s delegation to the summit, led by Akhannouch, includes Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita; Mohcine Jazouli, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for Investment, Convergence, and Public Policy Evaluation; and Chakib Alj, President of the Moroccan Employers’ Association (CGEM).