Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, held talks on Thursday in Tangier with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, on strengthening maritime cooperation and addressing the evolving challenges facing the global maritime sector.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of Morocco’s first National Maritime Conference, a two-day event organized under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, bringing together officials and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of maritime transport, logistics, and port development.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Morocco and the IMO, while examining key international maritime challenges, including the development of maritime transport, maritime safety and security, and the protection of the marine environment.
During the talks, Kayouh highlighted what he described as the “strong momentum” experienced by Morocco’s maritime sector in recent years, driven by major infrastructure and logistics projects launched under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.
The minister pointed in particular to Morocco’s investments in port infrastructure, maritime logistics, and projects aimed at developing a national maritime fleet, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s maritime ecosystem.
Morocco has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic maritime and logistics hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic, supported by major port projects and expanding trade corridors across the continent.
For his part, Dominguez praised Morocco’s growing role in the maritime sector at both the regional and international levels, commending the Kingdom’s efforts to modernize its maritime and port infrastructure and align with international standards related to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
The IMO chief also reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting and encouraging cooperation initiatives with Morocco, particularly in areas related to sustainable maritime development and environmental protection.
Dominguez further congratulated Moroccan authorities on the organization of the first National Maritime Conference, while highlighting the “richness” of the discussions and strategic exchanges held during the event.
Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to continue coordination and deepen bilateral cooperation in support of the sustainable development of the maritime sector.
The conference itself features a series of strategic panels dedicated to major transformations affecting the national and international maritime industries, including sustainability challenges, maritime connectivity, logistics competitiveness, and technological modernization.
Moroccan officials view the event as part of a broader national strategy aimed at consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a major maritime, port, and logistics actor at the regional, continental, and international levels.
The gathering also reflects Rabat’s ambition to leverage its geographic position along key global shipping routes and strengthen its role in trade flows connecting Africa, Europe, and the wider Atlantic space.
In recent years, Morocco has accelerated investments in logistics and maritime infrastructure as part of its long-term economic development strategy, seeking to attract industrial investment and reinforce supply chain connectivity.
The National Maritime Conference is expected to continue over two days, with participation from policymakers, maritime experts, logistics operators, and international organizations discussing the future of maritime governance and sustainable transport.
