In this declaration, Morocco and Belgium have lauded the momentum of their bilateral relations, highlighting their joint commitment to deepening cooperation for a strategic partnership aimed at addressing contemporary challenges and future prospects.

both parties also expressed their willingness to strengthen trade and investments, to cooperate on climate matters, energy transition through the development of renewable energies and green molecules, as well as on water management, infrastructure, and transportation.

The two executive chiefs also welcomed the regular political dialogue, as evidenced by the visit to Morocco by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Federal Cultural Institutions, Hadja Lahbib, on October 20, 2022, following which a Joint Declaration was adopted between the two countries.

Legislatively, both parties emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation, which plays an essential role in strengthening bilateral relations, while encouraging the legislative institutions of both countries to intensify their partnership, notably through the creation of a joint parliamentary forum constituting a space for dialogue and exchange.

Mr. Aziz Akhannouch and Mr. De Croo emphasized their willingness to further develop economic partnership, particularly by encouraging Belgian and Moroccan companies to explore opportunities for investment, notably through the new "Moroccan Investment Charter," the "Morocco Offer" concerning green hydrogen, and structuring projects planned in view of the organization of the 2030 World Cup, as well as opportunities offered by Belgium as a partner in energy transition, circular economy, and other areas of common interest.

In this regard, they reaffirmed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation in the field of energy transition.

Furthermore, the two Heads of Government welcomed the organization of a Business Forum on April 16 in Casablanca, which will allow economic operators from both countries to explore the numerous opportunities offered by Morocco and Belgium in terms of trade and investment.

They also welcomed the success of the long-standing development cooperation between the two Kingdoms, covering various areas, and the signing, in February 2024, of the Specific Convention of the cooperation program 2023-2028, aiming notably to encourage the economic inclusion of women and youth in a framework of decent work, knowing that part of the program focuses on projects aimed at contributing to the reconstruction phase of the Al Haouz region.

Moreover, Mr. Akhannouch and Mr. De Croo welcomed the progress made in the framework of judicial cooperation, through the permanent exchange of expertise, official visits, and joint commissions, commending the conclusions of the last Joint Commission on civil and criminal matters, held in December 2023, notably the concrete implementation of the Convention between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of Morocco on assistance to detained persons and the transfer of convicted persons, and its Additional Protocol.

In this Joint Declaration, both parties expressed their willingness to promote innovative judicial cooperation, aligned with the highest international standards, for effective management of cross-border judicial affairs.

The two Heads of Government emphasized the common interest of both countries in continuing and strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat threats to national and international security.

In terms of security cooperation, they affirmed their willingness to further develop it, notably through the establishment of a regular cooperation structure. Also, they welcomed the implementation of the Convention on cooperation in combating organized crime and terrorism, which entered into force in 2022, and the 2022-2024 action plan in the field of police cooperation.

The two Heads of Government praised the progress made in the framework of migration cooperation, including the holding of the 1st meeting of the Morocco-Belgium Mixed Migration Group and the joint implementation of effective measures.

Taking into account the institutional framework of each party, they emphasized their willingness to further strengthen cultural cooperation between the two countries, which constitutes an important lever for mutual understanding and for bringing the Moroccan and Belgian communities closer together.

The two parties thus discussed possibilities to further develop partnership in the cultural field, such as exchanging expertise in the protection, conservation, and valorization of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cooperation between museums and institutes specializing in arts and heritage crafts, and organizing cultural and artistic activities in both countries.

Emphasis was also placed on the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries in the field of sports, especially women's sports. In this regard, Morocco congratulated Belgium for its joint bid with Germany and the Netherlands to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027.

Moreover, Belgium welcomes the reforms carried out by Morocco over the past twenty-five years, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to create a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy, and stressed the importance of the New Development Model, advanced regionalization and a number of ambitious reforms, including that currently underway on the Family Code (Moudawana).

As part of its priority commitment to the region, Belgium also welcomes the Atlantic Initiative launched by His Majesty the King as "an innovative contribution to the integration of the African Atlantic and the strengthening of cooperation with the Sahel countries", the Joint Declaration stated, adding that "the Atlantic is a link between North and South, Africa and Europe, and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic".

On the Sahara issue, Belgium considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative, presented in 2007, as "a serious and credible effort by Morocco and a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties".

In this context, Mr. Alexander De Croo reiterated "Belgium's long-standing support for the process led by the United Nations for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution for the parties", read the Declaration.

On this occasion, the two parties agreed on "the exclusivity of the UN in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council resolution 2703 (2023), which noted the role and responsibility of the parties in the search for a realistic, pragmatic, lasting political solution based on compromise".

Morocco and Belgium reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya.

the two Heads of Government reiterated the central role of the United Nations in facilitating an inclusive political process led by Libyans, resulting in the organization of presidential and legislative elections in Libya.

In this regard, the Belgian party welcomes Morocco's efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis, notably hosting, from May 22 to June 7, 2023, meetings of the Joint Commission (6+6), tasked with drafting Libyan electoral laws as part of the dialogue process initiated under the auspices of the United Nations.

Morocco and Belgium also share the same strategic objective of contributing to the strengthening of peace, security, and development in the Euro-African region, as stated in the Declaration, adding that both countries reaffirm their commitment to peace, security, and development for the benefit of the populations of the Sahel.

Taking into account the action of its partners, including the European Union, Belgium has adopted an Integrated Strategy for the Sahel region.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Morocco and Belgium, both condemning attacks against civilians, express strong concern about the situation in Gaza and call for an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

Both countries call for compliance with Security Council Resolution 2728 of March 25, 2024, while allowing unhindered access for humanitarian aid through all crossing points and throughout the Gaza Strip. In this regard, Morocco and Belgium reject any attempt at forced displacement of civilian populations.

The two parties also affirm that the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, is the only way to achieve a lasting and equitable peace in the Middle East.

Reaffirming the paramount importance of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, both parties express their condemnation of any violation of these principles and the use of violence.

In this context, they express deep concern about the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the worsening global humanitarian, food, and energy crisis.

Morocco and Belgium also reaffirmed the centrality of the historic and privileged partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the European Union and agreed to act to preserve the stability and continuity of the strategic partnership between Morocco and the EU.

They thus reiterated their commitment to contribute to strengthening this partnership at all levels, while continuing to work together within Mediterranean fora to promote sustainable development, peace, security, and stability in the region, notably through the Union for the Mediterranean.

Regarding regional issues, the two Heads of Government emphasized the constructive and positive roles of Morocco and Belgium in maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions.

In the context of their joint presence at the United Nations Human Rights Council, both countries reaffirmed their willingness to continue their efforts in promoting and defending human rights, to strengthen their consultation on issues related to the defense of human rights, and to explore the possibility of jointly organizing events within appropriate multilateral forums.