Amman, July 29 (Petra)-- Moroccan Ambassador to Jordan Fouad Akhrif praised the deep-rooted and exemplary relations between Jordan and Morocco, calling them a model for Arab cooperation and political alignment. He attributed this strength to the mutual understanding and shared vision between His Majesty King Abdullah II and King Mohammed VI.

In remarks to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Akhrif highlighted the continuous coordination between the two countries, particularly on major regional issues such as the ongoing war on Gaza and the broader Palestinian question.

He described the bilateral relationship as grounded in historic solidarity and familial ties, with foundations laid by the late King Hussein Bin Talal and King Hassan II, and elevated in recent decades through strategic collaboration initiated by their successors. One of the most notable milestones, he said, was King Abdullah’s 2019 visit to Morocco, which paved the way for expanded cooperation.

Akhrif revealed that over 120 bilateral agreements are currently in place, covering sectors ranging from renewable energy and agriculture to tourism and vocational training. He noted ongoing efforts to broaden this strategic partnership with concrete projects and experience-sharing in sectors like construction, water management, and food industries. The anticipated meeting of the Joint High Commission, he added, will further institutionalize this growing cooperation.

On the economic front, both countries are focused on unlocking greater trade and investment potential under a favorable legal framework. Akhrif pointed to the strategic locations of Jordan and Morocco as a major advantage and extended an open invitation to business leaders in both countries to explore the opportunities.

Plans are also underway to host a joint economic forum in Morocco in the coming months, in partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Morocco’s General Confederation of Enterprises. This forum is expected to inject momentum into bilateral economic ties.

The ambassador also announced the expected resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Amman in the coming weeks, a step he said would enhance commercial, tourism, and human exchange, and respond to longstanding demand from both Moroccan and Jordanian communities, as well as other regional travelers.

Cultural and educational exchange continues to be a cornerstone of the relationship, dating back to the 1970s. Many students from both nations have graduated from each other’s universities and gone on to assume leadership roles, reinforcing shared understanding and people-to-people ties.

He also referenced Jordan’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty, particularly through its participation in the 1975 Green March and the opening of its consulate in Laayoune in 2021, underscoring the strength of bilateral solidarity.

Akhrif reiterated Morocco’s support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a return to negotiations as the only viable path to lasting peace. He called for halting military escalation, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid access, protecting civilians in the West Bank, and implementing the reconstruction roadmap agreed at the recent Arab summit in Cairo under Palestinian leadership and international supervision.

He concluded by reaffirming the identical positions of Jordan and Morocco on Palestine, stressing that true regional stability depends on a two-state solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

//Petra// WH

29/07/2025 12:44:50