Morocco-Kazakhstan visa exemption to boost trade, tourism, and cooperation

Morocco and Kazakhstan have announced that their visa exemption agreement will officially take effect on March 19. This milestone positions Morocco as the first African country to enact such an agreement with Kazakhstan, reflecting the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

The agreement, signed during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2024, will allow holders of ordinary passports to travel without the need for visas. This development follows the recent historic visit of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, to Rabat, where he met with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on February 28.

Both ministers highlighted the agreement as a significant step forward in relations between Morocco and Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan views Morocco as a pivotal and esteemed partner in the Middle East and North Africa region,” the Kazakh Foreign Ministry stated in an official release.

In addition to facilitating easier travel, the visa exemption aims to foster tourism, strengthen cultural exchanges, and enhance commercial cooperation. This comes after a remarkable 70% increase in bilateral trade last year, which reached $274 million. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the country’s ambition to boost exports to Morocco, particularly in petrochemical products, metallurgy, and food items, valued at $130 million.

The two nations also agreed to finalize an air communication agreement by 2025, potentially paving the way for direct flights. Leveraging their strategic geographical positions in Africa and Central Asia, Morocco and Kazakhstan aim to boost regional trade and logistical connectivity. As part of this effort, a Joint Commission will be established to promote the Morocco-Kazakhstan Business Council.

Given Kazakhstan’s global status as a leading wheat exporter, discussions included the potential development of a logistics hub in Morocco to facilitate the export of Kazakh wheat to African markets. Both countries expressed their intent to expand cooperation into other fields, such as technological innovation, energy transition, transport, and logistics.

Digitalization emerged as a key focus area, with Kazakhstan expressing interest in Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 program. Kazakh IT firms are prepared to launch pilot projects in e-government, innovative IT solutions, and cybersecurity.

On security matters, the two nations agreed to enhance collaboration in defense and security fields. Kazakhstan also congratulated Morocco on its upcoming role as host of the 93rd Interpol General Assembly in Marrakech from November 24-27.

Further cooperation between Islamic institutions was emphasized, as both countries are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The ministers stressed the importance of promoting cultural and civilizational ties.

This agreement follows Morocco’s recent visa exemption deal with Azerbaijan, which took effect on August 28, 2024, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to strengthening relations with Central Asian nations.