Kazakhstan and Morocco Deepen Ties in Landmark Diplomatic Visit
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu made the country’s first official visit to Rabat on Feb. 28, strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
Both sides discussed enhancing political dialogue and boosting trade, investment, and cultural ties. They emphasized cooperation in energy, transportation, agriculture, digital technologies, education, and tourism. The ministers highlighted the need for a stronger legal framework and more reciprocal governmental visits.
Kazakhstan views Morocco as a key partner in the Middle East and North Africa, while Morocco acknowledged Kazakhstan’s influential role in Central Asia. Bilateral trade increased by 70% last year, reaching $274 million. Kazakhstan aims to expand exports of petrochemical, metallurgical, and food products worth $130 million.
A soon-to-be-implemented visa-free regime between the two countries—Morocco’s first such agreement with an African nation—will facilitate business and tourism. Kazakhstan also invited Morocco to participate in the upcoming 7th General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security in Astana.
Kazakhstan expressed interest in partnering on Morocco’s Digital 2030 program, with plans for pilot projects in e-government, IT, and cybersecurity. Cultural ties continue to strengthen, with successful joint concerts and plans for an air communication agreement by 2025, potentially leading to direct flights.
Concluding their meeting, Nurtleu and Bourita adopted a Joint Communiqué outlining measures to deepen political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.
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