China, Morocco sign MOU on Belt and Road

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on joint construction of the Belt and Road.

Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties. Wang called on the two countries to implement the consensus reached by their leaders to promote bilateral strategic partnership.

China appreciates Morocco's firm support of China's core interests and major concerns, Wang said, noting that China will always support Morocco's efforts to maintain national unity, stability and development.

Wang said China is willing to cooperate more with Morocco on trade, investment, military and security, culture, education and tourism, as well as major international and regional issues, while working together to safeguard common interests of developing countries.

Regarding China as a reliable partner, Bourita said Morocco supports China's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate maritime interests.

Bourita also hoped that China and Morocco will coordinate more on politics, anti-terrorism, and major international and regional issues.

Bourita said Morocco is ready to cooperate more with China on trade, investment, and railway construction, noting that Morocco welcomes Chinese companies to expand markets in Africa and the Arab states by making use of his country's geographical advantages.

During their talks, Wang briefed Bourita on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in Beijing last month, and said China is committed to building a community of shared future for humanity.

Bourita, on behalf of Morocco, extended congratulations on the success of the 19th CPC National Congress and expressed his hope that China will contribute more to global peace and development.

The Belt and Road Initiative, commonly known as the Belt and Road, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was proposed by China in 2013, with the aim of building a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.