Morocco and North Macedonia have held talks aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations, with both sides highlighting untapped potential for deeper cooperation.
Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, met North Macedonia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Zoran Dimitrovski, in Rabat on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two officials praised the quality of bilateral relations, while stressing the need to better align trade exchanges with the countries’ economic potential.
Discussions focused on exploring new partnership opportunities, particularly in promising sectors, as well as promoting investment and strengthening ties between business communities in both countries.
Mr Dimitrovski said the visit formed part of broader political consultations with Moroccan officials, aimed at deepening economic relations and improving the framework governing bilateral agreements.
He described Morocco as a strategic gateway to Africa and a bridge between Europe and the African continent, adding that work is under way to conclude a free trade agreement covering several sectors of mutual interest.
North Macedonia is also looking to expand its imports from Morocco, he said.
On tourism, Mr Dimitrovski highlighted Morocco’s growing appeal in the Balkans and referred to plans for a potential direct air link between the two countries to boost tourist flows and people-to-people exchanges.
He also commended the reforms and development initiatives led by King Mohammed VI, expressing his country’s willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation further.
For his part, Mr Hejira said the meeting provided an opportunity to review Morocco’s ongoing economic transformation and assess prospects for enhanced cooperation with North Macedonia.
He underlined the importance of such exchanges in consolidating dialogue and opening new avenues for collaboration, particularly in trade and tourism.
Mr Hejira also announced preparations for a Moroccan–Macedonian business forum scheduled for June 2026 in Morocco, to coincide with a future visit by a Macedonian delegation.
He said the forum would aim to foster partnerships between companies from both countries and support the conclusion of concrete trade agreements.
The talks reflected a shared intention to place bilateral relations on a more dynamic footing, focused on building a forward-looking economic partnership.
