Rabat, 11 March 2022 (TDI): The Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita; met US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, on March 8. During the meeting, Sherman and Bourita discussed a wide range of topics of their interest.

According to the US Embassy; Bourita, and Sherman discussed ways to further enhance the long-standing bilateral relationship between the United States and Morocco. In the discussion, the two parties included their shared interests in regional peace, security, and prosperity.

Furthermore, Bourita and Sherman also discussed international developments, where they included the current conflict in Ukraine. The Foreign Minister and the Deputy Secretary then expressed strong support for the United Nations Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Staffan de Mistura.

According to the Embassy, they explained the reason to support Mistura; and that is because he is seeking to reinvigorate the UN-led political process for Western Sahara. Sherman then added that the US continues to view Morocco’s autonomy plan as serious, credible, and realistic.

She also noted in the plan a potential approach to satisfy the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara. During the meeting, Bourita and Sherman also discussed the importance of protecting human rights, including freedom of expression.

Furthermore, both discussed the importance of building on the productive September 2021 U.S.-Morocco dialogue on human rights. The Ministry announced that both countries adopted a joint release at the end of the political consultations.

Bourita and Sherman also welcomed the observance of International Women’s Day; as a milestone in promoting and strengthening women’s rights, stressing the need for continued efforts to achieve parity.

MOROCCO’S REFORM AGENDA 

Both sides highlighted the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in advancing a far-reaching reform agenda. Bourita and Sherman also reaffirmed their mutual interests to continue cooperation in regional peace and prosperity, Africa’s development, and regional security.

 

Sherman also thanked Morocco for its leadership in the Global Counterterrorism Forum and its supporting role in the International Coalition against Daesh. Sherman then thanked Morocco for co-chairing the Africa Focus Group working group under the International Coalition against Daesh and for hosting the Coalition’s next ministerial meeting in May.

Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister, Bourita met the US Deputy Secretary, Sherman
Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister, Bourita met the US Deputy Secretary, Sherman

The Moroccan Ministry also mentioned that Sherman expressed appreciation from the US for Morocco’s continued support for the African Lion’s multilateral military exercises. In their discussions, both sides included regional issues like the Sahel, Libya, and Ukraine.

Bourita and Sherman reaffirmed the importance of respecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national unity of all UN Member States. Sherman also thanked Morocco for its positive role and contribution to support the UN efforts in Libya on the political process and the hosting of the inter-Libyan dialogue.

Regarding Libya, the Moroccan Ministry announced that Bourita and Sherman reiterated their firm commitment towards them. Especially regarding the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya. Both sides also reaffirmed the priority of organizing national elections in the short term