Hungary strengthens ties with Morocco through Dakhla visit

Hungary has taken a significant step in bolstering its support for Morocco’s stance on Sahara, as its Ambassador to Morocco, Miklós Tromler, embarked on a three-day visit to Dakhla. This pivotal city in Morocco’s southern provinces serves as a focal point for economic and political engagement.

The visit, spanning from May 12 to 14, underscores Hungary’s increasing political backing for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Sahara. This initiative has garnered growing international endorsement, notably from the United States and France.

During his time in Dakhla, Tromler is set to engage with prominent local officials, including the Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the Director General of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), and members of the Regional Council. His itinerary also includes visits to significant development projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port construction site, the local artisanal complex, and a seawater desalination plant.

Hungary looks to invest in Dakhla

Speaking to the press in Dakhla, Tromler highlighted the increasing interest of Hungarian companies in the region, characterizing it as “a beautiful area full of potential and key development projects.” He indicated that several Hungarian businesses are contemplating establishing operations in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, drawn by its growth prospects and opportunities in tourism, agriculture, fishing, and renewable energy. Tromler praised the local authorities for their openness and responsiveness, which he believes are essential for fostering genuine partnerships with Moroccan economic operators.

Accompanied by his economic and commercial advisor, Tromler remarked on the region’s dynamic growth and its strategic significance for future economic collaboration. He noted that Morocco emerged as Hungary’s primary trade partner in Africa in 2023. “This strategic partnership, based on mutual respect, opens the door to new areas of collaboration,” he asserted.

The political implications of this visit are profound. By traveling to Dakhla, Tromler aligns himself with a growing number of international diplomats who have undertaken similar journeys to Morocco’s Sahara region. Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, recently directed the ambassador to carry out this visit to demonstrate support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Sahara.

Following discussions with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Budapest last month, Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s endorsement of the Autonomy Plan as the most viable solution under the United Nations framework. Hungary’s position aligns with that of the US and France, both of which regard Morocco’s initiative as serious and credible. Moreover, Szijjártó emphasized that the Hungarian embassy in Rabat will extend consular services to all Moroccan citizens throughout the North African nation.