Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, stated on Friday in Bern that Morocco and Switzerland have worked together in recent years to build « a foundation of trust-based partnership » between the two countries, reinforced by regular political dialogue.
« The various visits and agreements signed have enabled us to set clear and concrete objectives and to bring together a large number of stakeholders in this relationship around these goals, » he said during a joint press briefing following his talks with Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Highlighting his « fruitful » discussions with his Swiss counterpart, Mr. Bourita noted that they also provided an opportunity to « review what has been achieved, » emphasizing the « regular political dialogue » between the two countries, which share closely aligned positions on many regional, international, and global issues.
He also praised the « ‘very fruitful” economic cooperation between Morocco and Switzerland, noting that economic operators find an ideal environment to invest in the Kingdom, with more than forty Swiss companies contributing to the country’s economic momentum and job creation.
In this context, he stated that Morocco, in line with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, consistently seeks to diversify its partnerships, adding that with Switzerland, « we are building a highly successful model of cooperation, with tangible results. »
Addressing the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, Mr. Bourita noted that Switzerland’s position is « another sign of the evolution of this bilateral relationship, » stressing that it is fully in line with the latest United Nations Security Council resolution and reinforces an international dynamic around this issue.
On consular and migration matters, Mr. Bourita described bilateral cooperation as « exemplary, » highlighting this « approach of realism and responsibility » to tackle trafficking networks and their accomplices in countries of origin, transit, and destination.
In this regard, he stressed the need for concrete results rather than « rhetoric or politicized approaches, » stating that « we are building a tangible model of cooperation, where results are evident. »
Mr. Bourita added that this cooperation aims in particular to streamline migration-related procedures and support those who are legally settled, including members of the Moroccan community, numbering more than 24,000 Moroccans living in Switzerland and fully integrated.
Regarding persons in an irregular situation, he assured that Morocco will cooperate with Switzerland so that they « can return to their country of origin. »
« The results are evident in terms of travel documents issued, streamlined identification procedures, and regular dialogue between Moroccan consular services and Swiss authorities, » he said, noting that this « serene » partnership delivers outcomes that serve the interests of both countries.
