- Morocco and Finland sign a joint communiqué in Helsinki, reinforcing their commitment to deepening bilateral relations across key sectors.
- Economic collaboration to be expanded with a planned business seminar in 2025, focusing on digitalisation, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and healthcare technologies.
- Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara receives Finland’s support as a credible basis for a solution, aligning with broader international backing.
In a significant move to bolster their longstanding diplomatic ties, Morocco and Finland have signed a joint communiqué during a meeting between Mr. Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Helsinki on August 6, 2024. This meeting, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, underscored their mutual commitment to enhancing and expanding cooperation across various strategic sectors.
Expanding economic and strategic ties
During the discussions, both ministers highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations and expressed a shared determination to further strengthen economic and trade ties. To this end, they announced plans to organise a business seminar in 2025 aimed at fostering collaboration between economic actors in both countries. Key sectors identified for mutual benefit include digitalisation, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and the deployment of secure 5G networks. Both nations underscored the critical importance of secure networks not only for national security but also as a key factor in attracting investments and building a trust-based digital economy.
Moreover, the communiqué reaffirmed the importance of the two Memorandums of Understanding previously signed between Finland and Morocco in the fields of renewable energies and integrated water resources. Both ministers agreed to encourage further exploration of potential collaboration areas in the water sector, where Finland’s expertise in water-related technologies aligns with Morocco’s strategic priorities.
Supporting the green transition and healthcare innovation
The meeting also focused on the ambitious renewable energy targets set by both countries. Green hydrogen was identified as a key area for future collaboration, supporting the broader goal of a green transition. Additionally, the healthcare and well-being technology sectors were recognised as prominent areas of partnership, particularly in light of ongoing health sector reforms in Morocco.
Morocco’s strategic role within the EU-Africa partnership was also acknowledged, with Finland expressing appreciation for Morocco’s contributions to regional cooperation, stability, and socio-economic development in Africa. Finland’s recognition of Morocco’s political stability and the reforms undertaken under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI further solidified the Kingdom’s position as a key player on the continental and international stages.
Finland’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan
On the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, Finland’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a “serious and credible” basis for resolving the regional dispute was a significant development. The communiqué reiterated Finland’s support for the UN-led political process and the exclusive role of the United Nations in reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution. This new position aligns with the growing international momentum in favour of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
This meeting between Moroccan and Finnish ministers represents a crucial step forward in the strengthening of bilateral relations, marked by a shared vision for a prosperous and secure future.
About Ministry of Foreign Affairs African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates is the foreign affairs ministry of Morocco, responsible for implementing Morocco’s foreign policy and ensuring relations with foreign states.
Its head office is in Rabat and is one of the so-called “ministries of sovereignty”, which report directly to the king of Morocco, alongside the ministries of the interior and religious affairs.
Since 5 April 2017, Nasser Bourita is the incumbent minister, and is assisted by his junior minister, Abdelkrim Benatiq, who serves as the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of Moroccans living abroad and Migration Affairs.
