On this occasion, the two countries expressed their common ambition to develop their trade which already amounts to nearly 2 billion pounds sterling per year.

In a joint statement at the end of this session chaired by the British Minister for International Trade, Ranil Jayawardena and Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, the two countries said that through this Association Agreement, they now have a platform to deepen their economic partnership.

The two Kingdoms have signaled their aspiration to strengthen their economic relationship by encouraging British companies to explore opportunities to invest in Morocco in various sectors, especially given the Kingdom's access to other emerging markets.

The subcommittee will explore opportunities to deepen the relationship and increase bilateral trade and investment, with particular attention to ensuring that the Association Agreement is implemented as effectively as possible.

Jayawardena and Mezzour took the opportunity to recall the history of friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

Welcoming the 300th anniversary of the signing of the first trade treaty between the two countries on January 23, 1721 in Fez, they reaffirmed their vision of a bilateral Strategic Partnership to deepen economic and security relations, strengthen cultural ties, support each other's ambitious contributions to the fight against climate change, and assist each other's post-pandemic recovery.