Skopje, 21 July 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, Nasser Bourita, reaffirmed joint commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on economy, renewable energy, tourism and infrastructure.

During an official meeting in Skopje on Monday, as part of the first visit by a Moroccan foreign minister to the country, Mucunski and Bourita signed several key documents and expressed interest in establishing direct flights between the two countries - a step expected to facilitate connectivity and trade.

"We discussed deepening of the political dialogue and developing partnership in the areas of economy, tourism, culture, infrastructure. We paid particular attention to economic cooperation, renewable energy, the automotive industry, logistics and tourism. We highlighted interest in establishing direct flights as a step towards better connectivity. Today we signed several memorandums, as a concrete step towards more intensive cooperation," Minister Mucunski said, pointing out that Monday's visit is the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

In response to a reporter's question, Mucunski underlined that Macedonia and Morocco share common strategic values. 

"We share common strategic values, and here I see the relationship that Morocco has with the EU - an organization that we want to become a part of - but also the good relations that Morocco has with the United States and the United Kingdom, two countries with which we share a strategic partnership. From a strategic, geopolitical point of view, we share many common values. But bilateral relations are much more than politics - they also mean concrete benefits for our businesses and for our citizens. Therefore, the next topic we opened is holding a business forum in Morocco, bringing together representatives of the business community in our country and the business community there and see what joint investments can be made and what the potential is in trade cooperation," said Mucunski.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said today's visit was a historic one, as it is the first official visit by a Moroccan foreign minister to Macedonia.

"This visit holds special value and symbolism. It is an important milestone in the dynamics of our relations, which have seen great progress in recent years," Bourita said, adding that bilateral trade has grown by 58 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

He mentioned the country's important role in regional security and its position within the EU and NATO.

In response to a reporter's question, Minister Bourita noted that Morocco has a strategic position and plays an important role in the region's security, including in the Balkans, thanks to the active diplomacy backed by King Mohammed VI. He added that the country is a stable partner of the EU, with growing economic ties and interests, and it has a significant role in resolving issues in the Middle East, especially in relations between Arab countries and Palestine.

"A lasting and sustainable solution must be found with two states - with Palestine, which will have Jerusalem as its capital, and a second state, Israel," Bourita said, adding that Morocco always strives for positive solutions that respect the rights of all citizens.

The two Ministers reaffirmed support for the UN-led process for Western Sahara, highlighting the 2007 Moroccan autonomy initiative as a credible basis for a solution.

Monday's meeting was held as part of Bourita's official visit to the country, with a focus on deepening economic cooperation, developing infrastructure and energy projects, as well as strengthening political dialogue.

In addition, Minister Bourita visited the Parliament, where he met with Speaker Afrim Gashi.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade