Morocco and Iraq promote new economic agreements

As part of the tour of Morocco by the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, where he confirmed full Iraqi support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, a meeting was held with Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Foreign Minister, to relaunch bilateral trade relations through the approval of a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding. 

In particular, the resumption of flights and commercial cooperation between the two nations, many of which were suspended due to the pandemic, were discussed. Increasing the number of flights will mean an increase in bilateral trade and tourism, which will be of great support to companies that want to invest in either country. Morocco and Iraq are strengthening their ties on multiple levels, prioritising the economy and air connectivity. 

‘Relations between the two countries have developed significantly in recent years, especially in light of the creation of political consultation mechanisms,’ Bourita explained

However, the most important agreement was the one relating to mutual visa exemption for diplomats from both countries to enter Morocco and Iraq. In turn, measures were established to facilitate the movement of passengers between Rabat and Baghdad. In economic terms, this will serve to attract investors who work with companies whose interests are focused on bilateral trade. To this end, the organisation of a Moroccan-Iraqi business forum was proposed. 

In addition, it was emphasised that Iraq can serve Alawite companies as a gateway to the Arab region, and vice versa, as Morocco can connect Iraq with West and Central Africa. ‘Iraq can be a platform for the Moroccan private sector in the entire neighbouring region, and Morocco can be a platform for the Iraqi private sector to enter West and Central Africa,’ said Bourita. 

For Iraq, one of the most important elements is security. That said, Morocco showed its support for the current Iraqi government, just as Baghdad expressed its support for the territorial integrity of Morocco, especially with regard to Western Sahara. 

Finally, the importance of maintaining proper coordination with regard to the Palestinian cause was emphasised. For Fuad Hussein, the seriousness of the proposals regarding the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza must be a priority issue among Arab countries. 

At the end of the conference, Minister Bourita congratulated Iraq on its stability and development, stressing that Iraq is a decisive and effective country in Arab affairs and that the next Arab summit will be the culmination of its diplomatic efforts to improve joint Arab action. On the other hand, Hussein applauded the opening of the Moroccan Embassy in Baghdad, considering it an important event on the road to bilateral relations.