Azerbaijan is strategically leveraging Morocco's exceptional geographic location and its significant political and economic influence within Africa to broaden its international presence and fortify its strategic partnerships. This initiative is founded on a shared vision characterized by mutual respect and fundamental support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. Furthermore, it aims to enhance collaboration across various sectors, preparing to launch agreements related to energy and investment while emphasizing the pivotal role Morocco can play in strengthening global supply chains through the 'Middle Corridor' vigorously promoted by Baku.
Mutual Respect and Economic Progress
In a comprehensive interview with the Azerbaijani platform 'Onews', Nazim Samadov, the Azerbaijani ambassador to Rabat, articulated that the political relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco are at an elevated level and are developing dynamically. These relations are underpinned by a clear strategic vision for cooperation between the leaders of the two nations, President Ilham Aliyev and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The foundation of mutual respect, trust, and principled support for the sovereignty of both countries facilitates effective interaction at both bilateral levels and within international forums, such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, among others.
Samadov further noted that this progress has become particularly evident in recent years; in 2023, the second session of the Joint Government Committee was held in Rabat, culminating in the signing of eight agreements and memoranda of understanding across various fields, including logistics, energy, environment, sustainable development, labor laws, and healthcare. Additionally, in November 2024, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch visited Azerbaijan for the first time to participate in the 'COP29' conference. In May 2025, the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa to Baku marked a significant event where cultural and educational cooperation was discussed.
The ambassador emphasized that dialogue between the two countries is regular and fruitful, encompassing exchanges of visits at the ministerial level, embassy operations, and consultations on regional and global issues. Azerbaijan highly appreciates Morocco's stance on its principled issues and firmly supports the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.
When asked about the most promising areas for cooperation between the two countries, Samadov identified the energy sector, including both traditional and renewable energy, trade and investment, transport and logistics, agriculture, tourism, and cultural and humanitarian fields. Currently, there is a base of agreements for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, with new prospects emerging in the area of green energy. Furthermore, they are working on an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments; while current trade exchanges remain modest, there are significant growth potentials due to new mechanisms and the interest of business sectors in both countries.
He also indicated that Azerbaijan is actively developing the 'Middle Corridor,' an international transport corridor through the Caspian Sea, which is witnessing traffic doubling annually. Thus, Morocco, equipped with modern ports such as the Tangier Med port, can become a crucial link in global logistics chains, with Azerbaijan serving as a reliable bridge between Europe and Asia.
The mutual visa waiver between the two countries is expected to open doors for joint promotion of tourism products, direct flights, and investment in tourism infrastructure. There is already noticeable interest from tourism companies; by 2025, over 40 Moroccan travel companies had included travel packages to Azerbaijan in their offerings, and significant growth in mutual visits is anticipated in the coming years, especially since this route not only holds economic viability but also enhances cultural and humanitarian ties between our peoples.
A Shared Vision and Political Support
Regarding Morocco's expected role in expanding Azerbaijan's presence in Africa, the ambassador stressed that Morocco serves as a crucial bridge and gateway for Azerbaijan to the continent. The Kingdom possesses considerable political weight, a well-developed network of relationships in West and North Africa, an active investment policy, and strong positions in African integration processes. Azerbaijan is continuously working to strengthen its presence on the continent, and Morocco can support this process through political backing, building relationships between business sectors, exchanging experiences in implementing infrastructure and social projects, as well as pursuing joint initiatives in third countries.
Moreover, Morocco occupies a significant and rightful place in Azerbaijan's strategy to develop relations with countries in the Global South. Both nations share a common vision for a more just and multipolar world, prioritizing sustainable development, food security and energy resources, and climate justice—issues that Azerbaijan has actively promoted during its presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement and at the COP29 conference.
Samadov elaborated that Morocco, serving as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, opens additional opportunities for Baku, such as access to African markets and investment projects, participation in regional initiatives, and collaborative efforts to adapt to climate change and develop a green economy. New opportunities include implementing joint projects in third countries, creating investment platforms, exchanging technology and best practices, and deepening cultural and educational diplomacy.
In another context, Samadov indicated that Moroccan businesses are showing clear interest in reliable, fast, and secure alternative trade routes with Central Asia, China, and the East in general. The 'Middle Corridor' minimizes risks and shipping durations compared to traditional routes. Consequently, Morocco, with its top-tier ports, can integrate into these chains through multimodal transport solutions. He urged Moroccan companies to actively utilize the potential of this corridor, participate in joint logistics projects, and invest in infrastructure and digital platforms.
The ambassador of Baku in Rabat emphasized that Morocco has consistently supported the principle of territorial integrity for Azerbaijan. Following the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty and the subsequent peace process, Moroccan partners commend the determination of Azerbaijan in defending its legitimate rights, as well as the scale and speed of reconstruction efforts. Current questions largely focus on practical aspects, mainly concerning the implementation of reconstruction in liberated territories, de-mining, the return of displaced persons, and creating new economic opportunities and tourism potentials in the region. There is also interest in the normalization of relations with Armenia and the role of the international community in supporting post-conflict reconstruction.
As reported by hespress.com.
