Rabat – Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, is set to visit China on September 19-20, following an invitation from his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
According to Xinhua news agency, Bourita’s trip underscores the growing bilateral relations between Morocco and China, particularly in the economic sphere. In recent years, the two nations have deepened their cooperation across various sectors.
The partnership took a significant step forward in 2002 with the signing of an agreement to avoid double taxation, facilitating trade and investment between the two countries. A landmark moment came in 2016, when Morocco and China signed a strategic agreement during a state visit by Morocco’s King to Beijing. Since then, China has become Morocco’s third-largest commercial partner and its top supplier since 2021.
In November 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Morocco, further cementing the two nations’ strategic partnership. The invitation for Bourita’s visit highlights the importance of Morocco as a key ally for China in both Africa and the Arab world.
The timing of Bourita’s trip holds additional significance, as the United Nations prepares for a new session on the UN Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) at the Security Council. China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, plays a critical role in shaping the discussions on the Western Sahara issue.
By October, the UN Secretary-General is expected to present a report to the Security Council on developments in the region, following the adoption of Resolution 2756, which extended MINURSO's mandate until October 2025. The outcome of the discussions could influence future diplomatic efforts regarding the Western Sahara.
This visit reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of strengthening ties with global powers while advancing its key regional interests.