Kaja Kallas's Official Visit to Morocco
This Thursday and Friday, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, is set to embark on her inaugural official visit to Morocco since taking up her position. The primary objective of this trip is to enhance the diplomatic relations between Brussels and the North African nation. According to the European External Action Service, Kallas will engage in a bilateral meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Following this meeting, both officials will hold a joint press conference to discuss significant matters of mutual interest.
Fostering Cooperation and Engagement
During her stay, Kaja Kallas plans to broaden her agenda beyond institutional discussions. She aims to meet with women leaders from various sectors, highlighting the crucial role of civil society in fostering cooperation between Europe and Morocco. Additionally, she will visit the Euro-Mediterranean University in Fez, where she will engage in a dialogue with students on topics related to international politics and the relationships between Europe and North Africa. This multifaceted approach underscores the blend of political, social, and academic dimensions that characterize the European Union's relationship with Morocco.
This visit occurs several months after Kallas's meeting with Bourita in Brussels on January 29, which was part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Association Agreement between the EU and Morocco. During that meeting, both sides emphasized "the depth and vitality of the ties" between their peoples, highlighting the steady strengthening of their relationship over the years. They reaffirmed their commitment to a privileged, durable, and multidimensional strategic partnership based on shared interests.
Key issues addressed in their previous discussions included the EU's stance on Western Sahara, where the Moroccan autonomy plan was recognized as a "just, lasting, and mutually acceptable" basis. The EU reiterated the necessity of progressing towards a political solution that respects the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people. The cooperation agenda also encompasses significant international issues. In their previous encounter, both the EU and Morocco expressed support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a "comprehensive, just, and lasting" peace in Ukraine. In this regard, both parties reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law.
Thus, Kaja Kallas's visit is framed within a context of strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating efforts on major global challenges, solidifying Morocco's role as a key partner for the European Union in political, economic, and strategic arenas.
As reported by elfarodeceuta.es.
