MFA Nasser Bourita Holds talks with his Brazilian counterpart

In a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting, Morocco and Brazil share the same vision of a balanced international order and more ambitious South-South cooperation.

Mr. Bourita stressed that His Majesty King Mohammed VI and president of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, share the same vision for a balanced international order, more equitable global governance and stronger, more ambitious South-South relations .

The two countries' Heads of State also share the same approach to environmental protection and migrants' rights, and to optimistic cooperation with Africa, added the Minister, describing Brazil as a "constructive voice" on regional and international issues.

He noted that HM the King is convinced of Brazil's leading role in international institutions, in the reform of the UN Security Council and other international governance bodies, given the country's distinguished position on the world stage.

Morocco, said Mr. Bourita, has always regarded Brazil as a major international player, defending the rights of the countries of the South and working for constructive and equitable solutions to international and regional issues, as well as a key partner at multilateral level.

In the same context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates pointed out that Moroccan-Brazilian ties are deeply rooted in history, dating back to the 19th century at the time of Sultan Moulay Sliman, noting that the Kingdom was among the first countries to recognize Brazil's independence in 1860, a date that coincided with the arrival of the first Moroccan migrants in the country.

With regard to the Brazilian FM's visit in Rabat, Mr. Bourita pointed out that it took place in a very important context, twenty years after the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Brasilia in November 2004 and the Sovereign's meeting with president Lula da Silva.

His Majesty's meeting with the Brazilian president on the occasion of this visit marked a major turning point in bilateral relations, as it breathed new life into ties between the two countries, as well as regional, international and multilateral cooperation, he noted.

This visit, which is also in line with the very positive dynamic that bilateral relations are undergoing on the political, economic, security and military levels, "has enabled us to make significant progress on a number of issues and has opened up prospects for the launch of other initiatives in line with the ambitions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency the Brazilian president", he stressed.

On the economic front, trade has doubled since 2017, posting a significant increase in the areas of food security and fertilizers, he added, noting that the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) is initiating very important projects with Brazil, one of the Kingdom's main partners in this area.

Regarding tourism, it was announced on Friday that Morocco's flag carrier Royal Air Maroc group would be resuming flights between Casablanca and Sao Paolo from December onwards.

On the security and military aspects, Mr. Bourita pointed out that a memorandum of understanding on the promotion of bilateral cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of security had recently been signed.

He added that the joint communiqué issued at the end of the talks between the two parties would establish a mechanism for strategic dialogue between Morocco and Brazil, and provide a framework for joint initiatives at both regional and multilateral levels.

Referring to the positive momentum and significant growth in bilateral relations, he said that the Brazilian Foreign Minister had extended him an invitation to visit Brazil, announcing that he would be visiting the country towards the end of this year or early next year, in order to consolidate bilateral relations and strengthen coordination between the two countries.

The Minister said he had also discussed the situation in the Middle East with his Brazilian counterpart, in view of the interest shown in this region by HM the King, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, stressing that the Royal Vision converges with that of Brazil, with regard to the need to achieve a ceasefire, end the suffering of civilians, deliver international aid and initiate a new dynamic in favor of the two-state solution, with the establishment of a Palestinian State on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Al Quds as its capital, living side by side with the State of Israel.

On his side, Mr. Mauro Vieira said that Morocco stands out as an important model for development on the African continent.

"I have no doubt that Morocco is an important model of development in all sectors, social, economic and educational, in the region", said the Brazilian Minister.

In this respect, the Brazilian FM welcomed the Kingdom's very important role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in strengthening coordination and consultation with Brazil, in the service of the two countries' joint action at regional level.

He also stressed the importance of Morocco's support for the initiatives put forward under the Brazilian presidency of the G20, a role that will further consolidate bilateral relations between Rabat and Brasilia.

Mr. Vieira's visit to Morocco coincides with the 20th anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI's state visit to Brazil in 2004, which opened up "a new path of bilateral cooperation and established the fundamental lines of development of relations between the two countries", recalled the Brazilian official.