Morocco and Saudi Arabia enhance judicial cooperation with new agreements

The Moroccan Government Council recently reviewed two pivotal cooperation agreements signed with Saudi Arabia, signifying a significant advancement in judicial collaboration between the two nations.

Signed on November 13, 2024, in Riyadh, these agreements were presented by Morocco’s Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

The first agreement focuses on the transfer of convicted individuals, permitting nationals sentenced in either country to serve their sentences in their homeland. Accompanying this initiative is Draft Law No. 10.25, aimed at formalizing Morocco’s endorsement of the agreement.

The second agreement pertains to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, facilitating enhanced collaboration in criminal investigations and prosecutions between the two nations. This is supported by Draft Law No. 13.25, which was also reviewed by the Council.

Government spokesperson and Minister Delegate in charge of relations with Parliament, Mustapha Baitas, underscored that these agreements are part of Morocco’s broader efforts to bolster its international legal cooperation, particularly with strategic partners such as Saudi Arabia.

These accords are anticipated to improve the resolution of cross-border legal issues, enhance the rights of Moroccan and Saudi nationals abroad, and further solidify judicial collaboration in alignment with the diplomatic objectives of both countries.

The legal cooperation agreements come amid a broader context of deepening bilateral ties across various sectors. A notable example is the recent entry of Morocco’s leading construction company, TGCC, into the Saudi market through a strategic partnership with Naif Alrajhi Investment.

Announced earlier this week, this agreement will see TGCC’s Middle East subsidiary collaborate on major construction projects developed by the Saudi investment group. This marks TGCC’s debut in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic construction markets, reflecting the growing economic synergy between the two kingdoms.