Morocco, Somalia to boost economic cooperation

RABAT – Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch discussed Thursday with his Somali counterpart Hamza Abdi Barre ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and develop economic partnership.

These steps indicate Moroccan efforts to strengthen relations with the Horn of Africa countries, with Rabat becoming an important international and regional player due to its significant economic and investment capabilities.

This came in a statement from the Moroccan government, addressing Abdi Barre's visit to the capital Rabat, which started on Thursday.

The statement said that Akhannouch and Barre "reviewed various issues of mutual interest and discussed mechanisms to advance the long-standing relations between the two countries."

Akhannouch confirmed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's keenness to reinforce the ties and fruitful cooperation between the brotherly countries, noting the kingdom’s continuing "support for everything that would enhance peace, stability, and the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia over its territory."

These statements reflect Moroccan realism and a genuine will for fruitful and long-lasting cooperation, as Somalia needs security and political stability to succeed in any investment and joint development programs, possibly with support from international institutions to make cooperation real and productive. Somalia faces many challenges, particularly threats from extremist groups such as Al-Shabab loyal to Al-Qaeda.

Mogadishu can also benefit from Morocco’s pioneering experience in counter-terrorism and enhancing security and military capabilities. Observers believe Somali officials’ orientation towards Morocco is based on studied realism, recognizing that the kingdom is advancing in various fields, especially the economy, and can be an exemplary model in reform, development, and stability.

The Somali Prime Minister pointed out that the talks "focused on exploring ways to consolidate bilateral relations and open horizons for economic and political cooperation between the two countries."

The statement added that "the meeting addressed ways to develop the economic partnership between the two countries and deepen cooperation and exchange expertise in various fields."

Although trade exchange data for 2023 shows that Morocco’s total exports to Somalia are around $316,710, while Morocco imported goods worth about $586,620 from Somalia according to Trading Economics, recent meetings open the door for expanding cooperation.

These meetings suggest that Rabat might consider giving new impetus to the relationship, possibly by supporting Somalia’s stability first, then opening economic cooperation horizons later, given Somalia’s location in the strategically important Horn of Africa region.

Morocco has actively contributed to enhancing African stability and security through partnerships with several African countries and contributed to development and investment, earning the trust of African leaders. These realistic and wise policies were among the reasons several African capitals recognized the Moroccan Sahara’s sovereignty and the autonomy initiative.

The kingdom seeks to diversify its trade partners, especially with African and Arab countries, considering that its exchanges with the European Union constitute more than 60% of its total trade exchanges, compared to 7.6% with African countries, according to official statistics.