Morocco and Turkiye strengthen transport ties with new agreements

Morocco and Turkiye have signed two significant cooperation agreements aimed at enhancing road safety and revitalizing maritime transport. The memoranda of understanding (MOUs), signed in Istanbul on Friday, reflect the countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the transport sector and addressing shared logistical challenges.

Road safety technology partnership

The first agreement focuses on technological cooperation in road safety. Morocco is set to benefit from Turkiye’s expertise in securing freight transport by trucks. Speaking to Morocco’s official news agency MAP, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Morocco is interested in the Turkish experience in securing the transport of goods via trucks.”

This collaboration is expected to help modernize Morocco’s trucking infrastructure and improve safety standards across the country.

Maritime fleet development

The second memorandum targets the development of Morocco’s maritime transport fleet, currently in sharp decline. With only 17 operational vessels remaining, compared to approximately 70 ships in the mid-20th century, Morocco is seeking to rebuild its maritime capabilities.

Leveraging Turkiye’s renowned expertise in shipbuilding and maritime navigation, the agreement supports Morocco’s ongoing study to rejuvenate its fleet. Minister Kayouh highlighted Turkiye’s achievements, stating, “Turkiye has accumulated important experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding.”

Global partnerships at the Istanbul forum

The agreements were signed during a three-day international transport forum held from June 27-29 in Istanbul. Attended by high-ranking officials from Morocco, including Minister Kayouh and senior transport sector representatives, the event brought together global leaders, international organizations, and industry experts to discuss strategies for improving transport networks worldwide.

Organized by Turkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure with support from the World Bank, the forum emphasized key themes such as sustainable development, green energy transitions, and digitization in transport. Participants explored innovative solutions for funding infrastructure projects and fostering regional cooperation to enhance global connectivity.

Addressing Morocco’s transport challenges

The signing of these MOUs comes amid Morocco’s efforts to address significant challenges in its transport and maritime sectors. The country’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has launched a comprehensive reform plan to improve public safety, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance service quality across various modes of transport.

The reforms include renewing the intercity bus fleet, providing professional training for drivers, and supporting rural and tourism-related transport initiatives. Additionally, the ministry is prioritizing revitalization of the maritime sector to ensure logistical sovereignty and provide citizens with accessible maritime transport options.

These agreements with Turkiye mark a critical step in Morocco’s broader strategy to modernize its transport systems and strengthen its position in global trade networks.