Morocco and Saudi Arabia sign three agreements to boost cooperation in the field of criminal justice

Morocco and Saudi Arabia have signed three new agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in criminal justice, building on the strong and close partnership between the two nations.   

These agreements - signed by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and Saudi Arabian Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud - cover mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, the transfer of sentenced persons and extradition procedures, the Moroccan Ministry of Justice said in a statement. 

The agreements also lay the groundwork for cooperation in legal and judicial matters, including shared efforts in investigations, prosecutions and trials. In this regard, the Moroccan Ministry expressed its hope that this increased collaboration will contribute significantly to combating cross-border crime.   

‘The agreements are designed to address various forms of criminal activity while providing avenues for the rehabilitation of convicted persons,’ the statement added.  

A key aspect of the agreements involves the transfer of imprisoned persons between Morocco and Saudi Arabia, allowing detainees to serve their sentences in their home countries. 

This condition, seen as a humanitarian gesture, is intended to help prisoners to stay in contact with their families, potentially facilitating their reintegration into society after their release.

By facilitating such transfers, both kingdoms express their commitment to prioritise the welfare of detainees while upholding justice and accountability. 

At the signing ceremony, Moroccan Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi underlined the relevance of the agreements, describing them as a step forward in both countries' approach to tackling transnational crime. 

‘These agreements represent an important milestone in our judicial and security cooperation and strengthen our commitment to ensuring justice and accountability,’ said Ouahbi. 

The Moroccan Justice Minister also stressed that the partnership will enhance the capacity of both nations to deal with complex criminal cases that transcend borders. 

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Rabat and Riyadh to address common interests, including strategies to counter organised crime and efforts to strengthen judicial and security cooperation within a framework that respects each nation's sovereignty.  

Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining effective communication and aligning strategies to address emerging security challenges.   

The signing was attended by a number of senior officials, including Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood and Morocco's Ambassador to the Saudi Kingdom, Mustapha Mansouri.