Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita’s visit to Skopje marks the first time a top Moroccan diplomat has held official talks in North Macedonia, signalling a mutual commitment to strengthen political and economic cooperation, according to Africanews.
During meetings with his counterpart Timčo Mucunski on Monday, both ministers outlined concrete steps to enhance bilateral relations, centring on trade, tourism, and infrastructure.
The discussions highlighted shared geopolitical perspectives, particularly regarding European integration and transatlantic relations. Mucunski emphasised North Macedonia’s aspiration to join the European Union while noting Morocco’s “relationship with the EU, but also the good relations that Morocco has with the US and the UK, two countries with which we share a strategic partnership.”
This alignment extends to multilateral coordination, with both nations pledging to deepen consultations within international bodies such as the United Nations.
A significant outcome was the mutual reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as the foundation for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. The joint statement explicitly endorsed UN Security Council Resolution 2756 (October 2024), which advocates a “realistic, lasting political solution based on compromise” under UN leadership. North Macedonia’s position aligns with a growing international consensus, including recent backing from France, Spain, and the UK.
Beyond diplomatic declarations, the ministers unveiled actionable plans to boost commercial ties. A pivotal initiative involves organising a Business Forum in Morocco, designed to connect entrepreneurs and identify specific investment opportunities.
“They should mean more achievements for our businesses and citizens, too. So, we open the next topic to hold a Business Forum in Morocco, where we will participate with our businessmen, to meet Morocco`s business sector, too, and to point out what kind of investments we should have and trade as well,” Mucunski said.
Transportation emerged as another priority, with both governments committing to establish direct flights between their capitals. This measure aims to facilitate tourism exchanges and streamline business travel, addressing a longstanding connectivity gap. The tourism sector received particular emphasis, with ministers identifying it as a high-potential industry for joint development.
The visit culminated in Bourita’s audience with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, underscoring the diplomatic significance attached to the talks.
