Advertising

Germany and Morocco strengthen partnership with renewed focus on trade and diplomacy

Tuesday 08 July 2025 - 11:50
Germany and Morocco strengthen partnership with renewed focus on trade and diplomacy
By: Dakir Madiha
Zoom

Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering bilateral ties with Morocco, emphasizing economic cooperation, diplomatic dialogue, and mutual support on key regional issues. In a phone call on Monday, German Foreign Affairs Minister Johann David Wadephul praised the growing collaboration between the two nations while discussing future projects with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.

Renewed commitment to cooperation

The call marked the first direct exchange between Wadephul and Bourita, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of the Morocco-Germany partnership across multiple sectors, including energy, employment, and economic development. Both ministers expressed their commitment to deepening relations and advancing strategic dialogue, first established in a Joint Declaration in 2022. The next round of this dialogue is set to take place in Rabat.

Wadephul also commended Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, describing it as a serious and credible basis for resolving the decades-long territorial dispute. Germany’s stance aligns with a growing number of European Union countries supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the region, reflecting enhanced political alignment between Berlin and Rabat.

A history of challenges and reconciliation

The strengthened partnership follows a period of tension in bilateral relations. In 2021, Morocco recalled its ambassador from Germany and suspended contact with the German embassy in Rabat, citing what it described as “hostile acts” against Moroccan sovereignty. However, relations began to normalize by late 2021 when Germany officially expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative and its efforts within the UN-led political framework.

This diplomatic reconciliation has paved the way for expanded collaboration in areas like security, migration, innovation, and climate change, with both nations now focused on building a robust and forward-looking relationship.

Economic ties on the rise

Germany is currently Morocco’s sixth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €6.7 billion in 2024. Exports from Germany to Morocco reached €3.5 billion, while imports from Morocco were valued at over €3.2 billion. Additionally, around 300 German companies operate in Morocco, providing employment to approximately 35,000 people.

Beyond trade, Morocco has become a popular destination for German tourists, with travelers from Germany accounting for 4% of all international visitors in 2024.

A shared vision for the future

Both nations have prioritized sustainability and innovation in their partnership. With Morocco emerging as a leader in renewable energy development, Germany has shown interest in supporting green initiatives and fostering technological innovation in the North African nation.

As Berlin and Rabat prepare for the upcoming strategic dialogue, their renewed commitment signals a shared determination to strengthen bilateral ties and address global challenges together.



Read more