Influences
Bourita: Relations Between Morocco and Burundi Are Moving Toward Promising Prospects
Bourita: The first session of the Morocco-Burundi Joint Cooperation Commission marks an important step in strengthening bilateral relations, stated Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, on Monday in Rabat.
During a press conference held after the meeting co-chaired with Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albert Shingiro, Nasser Bourita emphasized that this marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries. He highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations, reinforced by the institutional and legal instruments signed today, which provide the private sector with an integrated framework to enhance economic partnership between the two nations.
He added that Morocco-Burundi relations have seen positive growth in recent years, culminating in the opening of the Republic of Burundi’s embassy in Rabat in 2015. Similarly, Burundi was among the first countries to open a general consulate in Laâyoune, in Morocco’s southern provinces, in 2020. Morocco reciprocated by opening an embassy in Bujumbura in 2021, Bourita noted.
In this regard, he clarified that bilateral relations are moving toward promising prospects, aligned with the vision of both Heads of State—His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye. Bourita stressed the importance of involving economic stakeholders and ministerial departments in bolstering these relations across various levels.
The Minister explained that the Kingdom is sharing its expertise with the Republic of Burundi through competency and knowledge transfer, and is committed to supporting its government in achieving the “Vision Burundi: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Country by 2060”. This includes expanding the scholarship program for Burundian students, which is expected to exceed 1,500 beneficiaries, to train the necessary professionals for implementing this strategy.
Bourita also welcomed Burundi’s upcoming presidency of the African Union next year, underscoring the convergence of both countries’ visions on the direction the continent should take to address development and stability challenges. He emphasized a principles-based approach rooted in credibility and seriousness, dedicated to serving the African continent.
