Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco (17th April 2024) - On Wednesday 16th April 2024, the Right Honourable Denzil Douglas held encounters with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, His Excellency Nasser Bourita, as well as the Director of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), Ambassador Mohammed Methqal.
During the meeting with his counterpart, Minister Douglas highlighted the robust relations which exist between the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Kingdom of Morocco – relations based on core values such as solidarity and cooperation. He commended the programme of cooperation launched by the Kingdom of Morocco and commented on the vital role that this has played in the development of the human resource in the OECS Region, as well as support to the agriculture sector.
Minister Douglas reiterated Saint Kitts and Nevis’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern provinces and reaffirmed the country’s support for the Autonomy Initiative Plan. He remarked that “the Autonomy Plan is the only credible, and realistic solution for resolving this regional conflict.” The country’s support of Morocco’s territorial integrity has been constant and is testament to the mutual values shared by the two states.
In his remarks, Minister Bourita welcomed Minister Douglas to Morocco and pledged the country’s support to Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as to the Caribbean region. He also presented Morocco’s intention to deepen existing cooperation initiatives between the two countries, and extended gratitude for the support that Saint Kitts and Nevis has unwaveringly rendered to Morocco.
In order to further support the developmental plan of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Government of Morocco will extend technical support to the Federation while the Nation develops its human resource in the areas of Engineering, Water Management and Energy and provide financial assistance for projects within the framework of the third rotation of the Road Map between both countries.
The Meeting with the Foreign Minister ended with the signing of a Joint Communiqué, which announced the enhancement of the relations between the two states and provided a general outline of the cooperation between the two states in the following areas: Human Resource Development, Agriculture, Climate Change, Security, Health, and Tourism.
During the Minister’s encounter with Ambassador Methqal, the Director of the AMCI reflected on the relations between Morocco and Saint Kitts and Nevis and informed that plans were being made to visit the Federation as well as three (3) other Eastern Caribbean countries later this year. The Minister welcomed this news and pledged to work closely with the Agency to bring this plan to fruition.
Regarding concrete technical cooperation initiatives, Ambassador Methqal announced an increase in the number of annual scholarships extended to Member States of the OECS from twenty (20) to thirty (30), as well as the amplification of areas of study to include Agriculture and Fisheries. In addition, there will be an increase in scholarships to the Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (an internationally accredited Moroccan university where the language of instruction is English). Additionally, support in facilitating private investments formed part of the
discussion.
Other plans to deepen cooperation between the two states include the implementation of a week of promotion of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Morocco, as well as the promotion of Moroccan culture and investment opportunities in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The Minister informed that the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is willing to sign the third generation of the Roadmap of Cooperation for the period 2024-2026; this could be done as early as September of this present year in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Minister also presented an overview of the developmental plan of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, highlighting areas such as Green Energy, Health Tourism and Water Security as paramount on the agenda with the country’s developmental partners.
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Kingdom of Morocco established diplomatic relations on 2nd October 2007. The North African country is now one of the country’s most valued and consistent allies.
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