Finland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Elina Valtonen, and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, met in Helsinki on August 6th. They discussed various international and bilateral issues, expressing a commitment to strengthening relations on the 65th anniversary of Finnish-Moroccan diplomatic ties. Finland commended Morocco’s political stability and reforms under King Mohammed VI. Both ministers emphasised the need to enhance economic and trade relations, recognising Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway between Africa and Europe. They also agreed to expand annual political consultations to include financial and business interests and to organise a business seminar in 2025 to encourage cooperation between companies in both countries.
The ministers from Finland and Morocco identified critical sectors for cooperation, including digitalisation, renewable energy, water resources, and healthcare technologies. They discussed the steps to implement the Memorandums of Understanding signed between Finland and Morocco regarding renewable energy and integrated water resources. They highlighted the potential for collaboration in green energy and healthcare.
Morocco and Finland appreciate each other’s strategies for Africa and are committed to working together in bilateral and tripartite cooperation with African countries. They emphasised their strategic partnership and the importance of addressing global and regional threats and recognised Morocco’s role in enhancing regional cooperation, stability, counterterrorism, and managing cross-border migration. Both countries are committed to promoting and protecting human rights, especially women, persons with disabilities, and youth. They aim to coordinate their positions within regional, multilateral, and international institutions.
Finland and Morocco support the UN Secretary-General’s efforts for a political solution in the Western Sahara. The Ministers condemned violations of the UN Charter and violence and expressed their grave concern about the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also affirmed their commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
