Moroccan-Egyptian Bilateral Cooperation Under Scrutiny
A Moroccan delegation, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Monday to participate in a crucial session of the high joint commission between Morocco and Egypt, as reported by Moroccan media outlets. Interestingly, the Egyptian media that is covering this significant event has predominantly relied on Moroccan sources for its information, highlighting a unique dynamic in the coverage of bilateral relations.
This platform for bilateral cooperation was initially planned for February 10 in Cairo, but it faced delays, which came on the heels of Morocco imposing anti-dumping duties on various Egyptian products. Among the items affected were polyvinyl chloride (PVC), canned tomatoes, and textiles, a move that reflects the complexities of the trade relationship between the two nations.
Strained Relations and Economic Disparities
Recent developments indicate a cooling of relations between Rabat and Cairo. This tension is accentuated by the involvement of Egyptian journalists and activists in Algerian media, where they have openly supported the Polisario movement or criticized the decision of the African Football Confederation (CAF) to award Morocco the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Such actions echo the political landscape leading up to Egypt's reintegration into the African Union, following the 2013 coup led by Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, which resulted in the ousting of the democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi.
In a significant revelation, Omar Hjira, the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, acknowledged in the House of Representatives on May 12, 2025, that Moroccan exports to Egypt have dramatically decreased in recent years. The figures illustrate a stark decline from 2.6 billion dirhams in 2016 to a mere 755 million dirhams in 2024. In contrast, imports from Egypt surged from 4 billion to 12.5 billion dirhams during the same period. This growing imbalance has worsened the trade deficit between the two countries, prompting concerns about economic relations.
In response to these challenges, a Moroccan delegation, headed by the Minister of Industry and Trade, undertook a visit to Egypt in May 2025 to negotiate with Egyptian authorities, aiming to address and rectify this economic disparity. Both Morocco and Egypt, alongside Tunisia and Jordan, are signatories of the Agadir Agreement, established in 2004, which strives to create an Arab free trade zone. Such agreements are critical in fostering cooperation and enhancing economic ties within the region.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
