UAE \ Newslooks \ His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco received a grand official welcome at Abu Dhabi’s “Qasr Al Watan” Presidential Palace, hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE. The welcome began with a traditional procession, where horsemen escorted the King’s motorcade from the palace entrance to the Zayed gate, a customary honor for distinguished guests in the UAE.
From the Zayed gate to the Al Hisn gate, the King’s motorcade was greeted by Emirati folk troupes performing traditional songs and dances, celebrating the sovereign’s visit. A notable aerial display by the “Al Fursan” national aerobatic team added to the festivities, with planes tracing ribbons of smoke in the red and green colors of the Moroccan flag, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. This aerial display was accompanied by a ceremonial 21-gun salute.
Upon reaching the Al Hisn gate, His Majesty King Mohammed VI was personally greeted by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The leaders then engaged in a formal ceremony, which included saluting their respective national flags and playing the national anthems of both countries. They subsequently reviewed a detachment of Emirati land, naval, and air forces, highlighting the military respect and cooperation between the two nations.
Following these formalities, King Mohammed VI was introduced to various high-ranking Emirati officials, including vice-presidents, ministers, and members of the royal family. This interaction underscored the visit’s significance in fostering diplomatic relations and exploring collaborative opportunities.
The Moroccan delegation accompanying His Majesty was significant in size and stature, comprising advisors, ministers, and other influential figures. This included Moulay Abdellah Alaoui and Moulay Youssef Alaoui, as well as prominent ministers and directors of major Moroccan agencies and companies, such as the Mohammed VI Investment Fund and the National Hydrocarbons and Mining Office. The composition of this delegation reflected the importance of the visit in terms of enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Morocco and the UAE.
HM the King, UAE President Sign in Abu Dhabi ‘Towards Innovative, Renewed and Consolidated Partnership between Kingdom of Morocco and UAE State’ Declaration
King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE, signed an important declaration in Abu Dhabi, titled “Towards an innovative, renewed and consolidated partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of the United Arab Emirates.” This agreement aims to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries and expand their cooperation into new areas, focusing on economic partnerships to benefit both nations.
The declaration was signed during King Mohammed VI’s visit to the UAE, upon the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit signifies a continuation of the strong historical ties between the two nations, established by HM Hassan II and HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and furthered by the current heads of state.
The main objectives of the partnership are to elevate economic, trade, investment, and industrial relations to new heights, reflecting the deep political and popular ties between Morocco and the UAE. The partnership aims to establish a comprehensive and balanced model of economic cooperation, open to private sector involvement and yielding mutual benefits and development.
Key sectors identified for cooperation include infrastructure, water, energy, sustainable development, food security, tourism, real estate, industry, agriculture, financial markets, and socio-economic projects. Specific infrastructure projects mentioned are the expansion of the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Train, development of airports in cities like Casablanca and Marrakech, and port development, including Nador West Med port and Dakhla Atlantic port. In the energy sector, there is a focus on renewable energies, green hydrogen production, and energy transportation infrastructure.
The partnership also aims to explore strategic cooperation in food security, particularly in the field of fertilizers, through partnerships with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates. Joint projects in tourism and real estate are planned, especially along the Mediterranean coast and in Dakhla and Tarfaya regions. The declaration addresses opportunities in the construction of educational, health, and digital economy facilities and seeks to contribute to the reconstruction of regions affected by natural disasters like the Al Haouz earthquake.
For financing these projects, both parties will mutually agree on methods combining capital, concessional and commercial loans, innovative financing mechanisms, and grants. To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of these projects, a specific mechanism will be established, involving representatives from both countries, meeting regularly to review progress and report to the competent authorities.
This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening the economic and strategic ties between Morocco and the UAE, with a clear focus on mutual development, cooperation, and prosperity.
