Foreign Ministers of Japan and Morocco talk

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Foreign Ministers of Japan and Morocco talk
Foreign Ministers of Japan and Morocco hold bilateral talks through video conferencing

Tokyo/Rabat, 3 September 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Japan, Hayashi Yoshimasa held a video conference with the Foreign Minister of Morocco, Nasser Bourita on Friday. During their conversation, both ministers discussed relations between Japan and Morocco.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa expressed his hope to further develop the relationship between the two countries. Additionally, he highlighted the relationship based on the friendship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Moroccan Royal Family.

Correspondingly, Minister Nasser Bourita stated that the two countries have established excellent relations in various fields over the years. He also emphasized the opportunities for further partnership in different domains between both countries.

Minister Bourita also welcomed the entry into force of the Japan-Morocco Investment Agreement and the Tax Convention between Japan and Morocco.

On the occasion, he further encouraged Japanese companies to enter the Moroccan market and assured the provision of necessary facilities to settle Japanese investments.

Accordingly, the Foreign Minister of Japan called for cooperation for the stable supply of ammonium phosphate, an important fertilizer for agricultural production between both states.

Minister Hayashi also highlighted Japan’s support for the promotion of socio-economic development and economic stability in Morocco.

Further, the Foreign Minister of Morocco also expressed his pleasure in starting cooperation with Japan in ensuring a stable supply of ammonium phosphate.

 

Discussion on national and international issues

The Foreign Minister of Japan also expressed his regret about Morocco’s absence from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) 8, which was held at the end of August 2022 and was hosted by Tunisia.

The Moroccan Foreign Minister emphasized on TICAD’s protection from political maneuvers hatched by some known parties. He also pointed out the responsibility of Tunisia for the serious deviations committed without consultation with the Japanese partner.

Further, he said that it led to the participation of an entity that was not officially invited to the Summit.

In response, the Japanese Foreign Minister affirmed that Japan did not invite the said entity to the TICAD Summit and that he had called on Tunisia to take all necessary measures in this regard.

Moreover, he assured that Japan stands with Morocco and will not deviate from not recognizing Western Sahara as a state.

Additionally, the two Ministers also discussed international situations. Minister Hayashi stated that it is essential for the international community to cooperate in its response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Concluding the Video Conference, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed strengthening relations within the framework of TICAD.

Relations between Japan and Morocco:

Diplomatic Relations between both countries started as soon as Morocco got independence in 1956. The Embassy of Japan in Rabat and the Embassy of Morocco in Tokyo were established in 1961 and 1965 respectively.

Both countries enjoy cooperation in different domains of trade, education, culture, and politics. Both countries have signed a number of treaties throughout the years.

This includes Treaty on Trade and Commerce, Treaty on Fishery, and Agreement on Information Technology. Recently both countries signed a convention for the elimination of double taxation.

Moreover, in April 2022 both countries also signed an agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment.