CAIRO – 10 May 2022: The foreign ministries of Egypt and Morocco released on Monday a joint statement on the talks held by Minister Sameh Shokry and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Borita in Rabat.
Reciprocal Support
Minister Shokry underscored Egypt's stance on the territorial integrity of Morocco, and its commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution no. 2602 for the year 2021 on the Sahara issue, which welcomed the Moroccan serious and honest efforts aimed at pursuing a political settlement.
Speaking of Egyptian concerns, the Egyptian minister presented to his Moroccan counterpart the latest developments on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute.
In that context, Minister Borita expressed Morocco's ultimate support to the Egyptian water security, given it is part of the Arab water security. That is by encouraging the renouncement of unilateral measures in relation to trans-boundary rivers, and abidance by international law and relevant agreements, including the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. That is in addition to fostering a stance that backs negotiations targeted at concluding a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in alignment of the presidential statement issued by the United Nations Security Council in 2021.
Concerns
The ministers exchanged views on various issues of mutual concern on the Arab, African, and international levels. On that front, there was congruence among Minister Shokry and Minister Borita on the salience of an effective international cooperation devoted to combating cross-border threats, including terrorism, extremism, and cyber crimes.
They also stipulated the necessity of continuous coordination and cooperation on matters pertaining to the Mediterranean in a way that achieves sustainable development, security, stability, counterterrorism, and comprehensive combating of migration.
In a related context, the two ministers asserted the necessity of overcoming inter-Arab disagreements in order to sustain Arab unity in the face of the contemporary unprecedented challenges. They equally affirmed their rejection to all forms of foreign interferences with the internal affairs of Arab countries.
Simultaneously, the two ministers valued the efforts deployed by their respective states to help their fellow Arab states undergoing harsh political and economic circumstances with the aim of preserving their territorial integrity, sovereignty, and social cohesion.
Palestinian Cause
On the Arab level, the two sides renewed their commitment to the Arab and international fundamentals pertaining to the Palestinian Cause, and that provide the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, having as capital Eastern Jerusalem.
In that context, Minister Shokry commended the role played by the Jerusalem Committee chaired by King Mohamed VI in backing the steadfastness of the Palestinian dwellers of Jerusalem, preserving the Arab and Islamic character of the city, and maintaining its legal status and symbolism as land of coexistence among the three Abrahamic religions.
In turn, Minister Borita valued the solid support Egypt provides to the Palestinian people so it would obtain its legitimate rights, mainly ending Israeli occupation and establishing its independent state. That is coupled with Egyptian endeavors aiming for accomplishing stability, and stabilizing pacification between the Palestinians and the Israelis, so that the escalation that occurred in May 2021 would not get repeated.
Moreover, the Moroccan minister lauded Egypt's involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza Strip in the aftermath of last year's Israeli raids. The minister noted that the reconstruction of Gaza is a priority to ensure the improvement in the living conditions of the Palestinian people. He also hailed the Egyptian mediation in the reconciliation process among Palestinian factions, which would strengthen the Palestinians' position in negotiations with Israel.
Libyan Crisis
The other Arab issue discussed is the Libyan crisis so as the ministers reiterated their adoption of the principle of a Libyan-Libyan dialogue, without foreign meddling, as the only solution that would lead to holding presidential and parliamentary elections in tandem.
In that framework, Minister Borita expressed appreciation for Egypt's hosting of the Libyan Constitutional Committee conventions in coordination with United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). On the other hand, Minister Shokry lauded the talks hosted by Morocco and that resulted in 2014 Skhirat Agreement.
The two sides stressed the importance of the deportation of all foreign mercenaries and the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya, according to a precise timeline in alignment with relevant UN resolutions and Libyan 5+5 Military Committee. That is in parallel to backing a national comprehensive reconciliation, and economic reform aimed at preserving Libyan national wealth and resources.
Africa
On the continental level, the Egyptian and Moroccan sides agreed on coordination and consultation within the African Union. That is in order to fulfill the interests of the two countries, contribute in reforming the union's operation system so it would optimally reflect the willpower of member states, and guarantee a fair representation of North Africa in the African Peace and Security Council.
COP 27
With regard to COP 27 to be hosted in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh on November 7-18, Minister Borita confirmed that his country would take part in the summit that will take place within the conference.
The minister also said that Morocco supports the Egyptian chairmanship of the event in attempting to reach outcomes that would help implement the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement while taking into consideration the priorities of all parties.
Economic Cooperation
The talks stressed the economic and investment aspect as a cornerstone in bilateral relations between Egypt and Morocco. That is given the two countries' ability to achieve integration in several sectors, the unique geographical locations of both of them, and their large economic and human capabilities.
Hence, the two ministers expressed eagerness on bolstering economic cooperation, expanding the reciprocation of investments, benefiting more from the favorable investment climate in both countries, boosting trade exchange, and reinforcing partnerships and experience exchange.
In that context, the two sides called on the Egyptian-Moroccan business council to seize such opportunities. The two parties also agreed on preparing for the convention of the joint supreme committee chaired by the political leadership of Egypt and Morocco.
The ministers similarly agreed on holding the fourth session of the Political Coordination and Consultation Mechanism in Cairo in the second half of 2022. That is in addition to holding a meeting for the joint consulate and social affairs committee to discuss matters concerning the expats of both states.
Further, the two sides will study launching a forum for Egyptian and Moroccan intellects, media personnel, and artists to eCAIRO – 10 May 2022: The foreign ministries of Egypt and Morocco issued late on Monday a joint statement on the talks held by Minister Sameh Shokry and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Borita in Rabat.
Reciprocal Support
Minister Shokry underscored Egypt's stance on the territorial integrity of Morocco, and its commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution no. 2602 for the year 2021 on the Sahara issue, which welcomed the Moroccan serious and honest efforts aimed at pursuing a political settlement.
Speaking of Egyptian concerns, the Egyptian minister presented to his Moroccan counterpart the latest developments on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute.
In that context, Minister Borita expressed Morocco's ultimate support to the Egyptian water security, given it is part of the Arab water security. That is by encouraging the renouncement of unilateral measures in relation to trans-boundary rivers, and abidance by international law and relevant agreements, including the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. That is in addition to fostering a stance that backs negotiations targeted at concluding a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in alignment of the presidential statement issued by the United Nations Security Council in 2021.
Concerns
The ministers exchanged views on various issues of mutual concern on the Arab, African, and international levels. On that front, there was congruence among Minister Shokry and Minister Borita on the salience of an effective international cooperation devoted to combating cross-border threats, including terrorism, extremism, and cyber crimes.
They also stipulated the necessity of continuous coordination and cooperation on matters pertaining to the Mediterranean in a way that achieves sustainable development, security, stability, counterterrorism, and comprehensive combating of migration.
In a related context, the two ministers asserted the necessity of overcoming inter-Arab disagreements in order to sustain Arab unity in the face of the contemporary unprecedented challenges. They equally affirmed their rejection to all forms of foreign interferences with the internal affairs of Arab countries.
Simultaneously, the two ministers valued the efforts deployed by their respective states to help their fellow Arab states undergoing harsh political and economic circumstances with the aim of preserving their territorial integrity, sovereignty, and social cohesion.
Palestinian Cause
On the Arab level, the two sides renewed their commitment to the Arab and international fundamentals pertaining to the Palestinian Cause, and that provide the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, having as capital Eastern Jerusalem.
In that context, Minister Shokry commended the role played by the Jerusalem Committee chaired by King Mohamed VI in backing the steadfastness of the Palestinian dwellers of Jerusalem, preserving the Arab and Islamic character of the city, and maintaining its legal status and symbolism as land of coexistence among the three Abrahamic religions.
In turn, Minister Borita valued the solid support Egypt provides to the Palestinian people so it would obtain its legitimate rights, mainly ending Israeli occupation and establishing its independent state. That is coupled with Egyptian endeavors aiming for accomplishing stability, and stabilizing pacification between the Palestinians and the Israelis, so that the escalation that occurred in May 2021 would not get repeated.
Moreover, the Moroccan minister lauded Egypt's involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza Strip in the aftermath of last year's Israeli raids. The minister noted that the reconstruction of Gaza is a priority to ensure the improvement in the living conditions of the Palestinian people. He also hailed the Egyptian mediation in the reconciliation process among Palestinian factions, which would strengthen the Palestinians' position in negotiations with Israel.
Libyan Crisis
The other Arab issue discussed is the Libyan crisis so as the ministers reiterated their adoption of the principle of a Libyan-Libyan dialogue, without foreign meddling, as the only solution that would lead to holding presidential and parliamentary elections in tandem.
In that framework, Minister Borita expressed appreciation for Egypt's hosting of the Libyan Constitutional Committee conventions in coordination with United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). On the other hand, Minister Shokry lauded the talks hosted by Morocco and that resulted in 2014 Skhirat Agreement.
The two sides stressed the importance of the deportation of all foreign mercenaries and the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya, according to a precise timeline in alignment with relevant UN resolutions and Libyan 5+5 Military Committee. That is in parallel to backing a national comprehensive reconciliation, and economic reform aimed at preserving Libyan national wealth and resources.
Africa
On the continental level, the Egyptian and Moroccan sides agreed on coordination and consultation within the African Union. That is in order to fulfill the interests of the two countries, contribute in reforming the union's operation system so it would optimally reflect the willpower of member states, and guarantee a fair representation of North Africa in the African Peace and Security Council.
COP 27
With regard to COP 27 to be hosted in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh on November 7-18, Minister Borita confirmed that his country would take part in the summit that will take place within the conference.
The minister also said that Morocco supports the Egyptian chairmanship of the event in attempting to reach outcomes that would help implementing the goals of Paris Climate Agreement, while taking into consideration the priorities of all parties.
Economic Cooperation
The talks stressed the economic and investment aspect as a cornerstone in bilateral relations between Egypt and Morocco. That is given the two countries' ability to achieve integration in several sectors, the unique geographical locations of both of them, and their large economic and human capabilities.
Hence, the two ministers expressed eagerness on bolstering economic cooperation, expanding the reciprocation of investments, benefiting more from the favorable investment climate in both countries, boosting trade exchange, and reinforcing partnerships and experience exchange.
In that context, the two sides called on the Egyptian-Moroccan business council to seize such opportunities. The two parties also agreed on preparing for the convention of the joint supreme committee chaired by the political leadership of Egypt and Morocco.
The ministers similarly agreed on holding the fourth session of the Political Coordination and Consultation Mechanism in Cairo in the second half of 2022. That is in addition to holding a meeting for the joint consulate and social affairs committee to discuss matters concerning the expats of both states.
Further, the two sides will study launching a forum for Egyptian and Moroccan intellects, media personnel, and artists to exchange experience and hold discussions.
Minister Shokry's visit is held upon an invitation by Minister Borita, and the talks come in fulfillment of the directives of King Mohamed VI of Morocco and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in light of the brotherly historic ties between the two peoples.xchange experience and hold discussions.
Minister Shokry's visit is held upon an invitation by Minister Borita, and the talks come in fulfillment of the directives of King Mohamed VI of Morocco and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in light of the brotherly historic ties between the two peoples.
Wed, May. 11, 2022
