ADDIS ABABA – The relationship between Ethiopia and Morocco has seen significant advancement in recent years, highlighted by a series of agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi informed the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Moroccan Ambassador to Ethiopia, the momentum for this strengthened relationship was initiated by agreements signed in 2016. These agreements have been pivotal in enhancing the partnership between the two nations. Recently, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, engaged in discussions with his Ethiopian counterpart, Taye Atske Selassie, on the sidelines of the 37th African Union Summit to explore further avenues for collaboration.
The ambassador emphasized that these discussions and subsequent agreements have been instrumental in broadening cooperation across various sectors, including sports, culture, and industry. Despite the historical ties between Ethiopia and Morocco, Ambassador M’hammdi acknowledged that the expected level of trade and investment cooperation has yet to be fully realized. However, efforts are underway to deepen engagement in these areas.
A tangible example of this growing partnership is the implementation of a fertilizer factory project in Dire Dawa, a collaboration between the Moroccan Fertilizer Company and the relevant Ethiopian entity. This project underscores Morocco’s interest in expanding its investment in Ethiopia, particularly in fertilizer production, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Ambassador M’hammdi also highlighted the role of the Moroccan embassy in Ethiopia in facilitating investment by Moroccan investors in the Ethiopian market. Furthermore, the ambassador noted the strong educational cooperation between the two countries, with Morocco providing scholarship opportunities to Ethiopian students in various fields.
Looking ahead, Ambassador M’hammdi expressed optimism about the future of Ethiopia-Morocco relations, indicating a mutual desire to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership. The diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Morocco, established in 1966, continue to evolve, promising a brighter future for cooperation between the two nations.