Kazakhstan views Morocco as an important and close partner in the Middle East and North Africa region. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, during the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations to Rabat, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service.
"Over more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, we have managed to establish a substantive political dialogue based on shared values, as well as to foster constructive inter-parliamentary interaction," said the head of the foreign affairs agency of Kazakhstan.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, noted that he sees Morocco and Kazakhstan as gateways to North Africa and Central Asia, respectively.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that trade turnover between the two countries increased by 70% last year, reaching $274 million. Murat Nurtleu noted that Kazakhstan has good opportunities to boost the supply of high value-added products to Morocco. This includes expanding exports of 25 key product groups worth $130 million, including finished petrochemical products, metallurgical goods, and food products.
Murat Nurtleu reminded that a visa-free agreement will soon come into effect, making Morocco the first country in Africa with which a bilateral visa-free regime is established, creating new opportunities for business ties and expanding contacts between citizens.
The head of the Kazakh delegation expressed gratitude to Morocco for its interest in the activities of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and emphasized the importance of the prompt ratification of its charter, as well as inviting high-level participation in the 7th General Assembly of IOFS, which will take place this year in Astana.
0 The parties also discussed the upcoming International Astana Forum in May, which will unite the efforts of the global community in addressing pressing challenges. Moreover, they talked about preparations for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, planned for this year, where Kazakhstan expects Morocco to participate at a high level.
Additionally, the head of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed our country's interest in collaborating with Morocco under the "Digital Morocco 2030" program aimed at developing the digital economy and informed about the readiness of Kazakh IT companies to propose pilot projects in the areas of e-government, innovative IT solutions, and cybersecurity.
1 The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, noting the successful performance of the Astana Academic Philharmonic and the Great Orchestra of Rabat, which garnered significant interest from the Moroccan audience.
In the sphere of tourism, significant potential was noted, and to further develop tourism cooperation, the parties agreed to finalize the work on an air transport agreement by 2025 and to consider the possibility of launching direct flights.
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