On Monday in Rabat, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and his Angolan counterpart Georges Chikoti signed two cooperation conventions designed to abolish visas for diplomatic passports.
The signing of the conventions is a “great progress,” Chikoti said in a press conference held after his meeting with Bourita.
“[Morocco and Angola] have decided to look forward to a future in the horizon of win-win partnership,” Chikoti added, noting that his county is accessible for Moroccan investors.
Bourita said that abolishing of visa requirements for the two countries’ diplomats will engender a fast and regular exchange between the officials of Morocco and Angola, as well as the expedient arrangement of visits.
Bourita went on to add that the convention, which followed political consultations, constitutes an essential mechanism that will enable facilitation in terms of coordination between the diplomats of the two countries regarding several bilateral affairs.
He added that the signing of the conventions came during an important period when Morocco and Angola are playing crucial roles at the international level, adding that more coordination will help to defend African interests.
The meeting between the two foreign ministers was the first time an Angolan chief diplomat has visited Morocco in 20 years.
During the two countries signed a political consultation agreement, demonstrating Morocco’s push to improve its relations with the countries of southern Africa, long seen as fervent supporters of Polisario Front.
“This visit underlines [the Kingdom’s] will to start a new chapter in our bilateral relations. We want these relations to be strong,” said Bourita. “This visit is consistent with His Majesty’s directions that Morocco opens up to new regions in Africa, especially southern Africa.”
The region remains supportive of Polisario, with South Africa as the spearhead of this alignment. Other hard-core proponents of the separatist group also include Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Source: MWN
