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China and Morocco strengthen ties with strategic partnership memorandum
China and Morocco have taken a significant step to deepen their diplomatic and economic relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing. The agreement, signed on September 19 by Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, establishes a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two nations.
The MoU aims to enhance coordination on global issues, restructure high-level dialogue, and build upon the 2016 strategic partnership agreement endorsed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, which have consistently stressed the importance of expanding ties across multiple sectors.
Strengthening bilateral relations
During the meeting, Wang Yi praised Morocco's leadership under HM King Mohammed VI, recognizing the country’s initiatives to drive Africa’s development. He highlighted Morocco’s role as a strategic ally for China in Africa and the Arab world, reflecting its growing significance on the global stage.
Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s support for key Chinese initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Additionally, he announced Morocco’s decision to join the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), a China-led body headquartered in Hong Kong.
China’s growing economic presence in Morocco reflects an increasingly robust partnership. In the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries hit a record high, with Chinese exports to Morocco increasing by 20.4% year-on-year, amounting to $52.9 billion. This solidifies China’s position as Morocco’s third-largest trading partner.
Collaboration across sectors
The partnership extends beyond diplomacy and trade. In April, Moroccan Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour emphasized that cooperation spans energy, logistics, and industrial sectors. As part of this collaboration, Morocco recently received 723 high-end Yutong buses from China to support logistics for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host in December.
Cultural exchanges have also flourished. Events like the Chinese Bridge competition in Rabat have strengthened ties, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration in education and cultural initiatives.
A gateway to Africa
China views Morocco as a key gateway to the African continent, and the Asian nation has committed to further expanding its partnership. President Xi Jinping reaffirmed this commitment during a 2024 meeting with Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, emphasizing the “sound development” of bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation across various fields.
The MoU reflects both nations’ shared commitment to advancing their global influence through strategic partnerships, mutual investment, and citizen-centered approaches. Morocco’s growing role as a regional leader underpins its value as a strategic ally for China, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation.