Morocco and Slovakia agreed Thursday to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including politics, defense, trade, and climate action, as both nations seek stronger bilateral, regional, and international engagement.

Following talks in Rabat, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár issued a joint statement confirming their commitment to deepening ties in political, economic, scientific, and cultural areas. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch a mechanism for regular political consultations between their foreign ministries.

Both sides called for closer collaboration to address global challenges, naming peace and security, conflict prevention, climate change, migration, and sustainable development as key areas of shared interest. They agreed to step up high-level visits and strengthen interparliamentary ties, particularly through the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Morocco and Slovakia will boost cultural and academic cooperation as a tool for human and economic development. They aim to improve scientific research, innovation, and collaboration in the blue economy. On trade, the statement said both governments will support mutual investment, simplify customs procedures, expand market access, and organize regular business forums.

The joint statement underlined the need to increase cooperation in high-value sectors, including energy, environmental protection, logistics, agriculture, the automotive industry, and green technologies.

Security and migration also featured prominently. Both countries confirmed plans to work together in combating irregular migration and terrorism. At the UN, they commended each other’s candidacies for Security Council seats in 2028–2029 and pledged to coordinate efforts on global peace and multilateral diplomacy.

On a separate occasion, Slovak Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration. Kaliňák led a delegation of military officials and representatives from Slovak defense companies on a working visit to Rabat.

Loudiyi described the defense industry as a strategic sector under the high guidance of King Mohammed VI. The minister said Morocco offers favorable conditions for joint investment projects in defense manufacturing.

Kaliňák said his visit aimed to consolidate and diversify bilateral defense ties and explore investment opportunities in light of Morocco’s business climate and geographic access to African markets.

The officials also discussed regional and South-South cooperation initiatives led by Morocco and agreed to push forward with future joint defense projects.

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