Oman, Morocco to bolster relations, cooperation

MUSCAT: The 5th round of deliberations of the Omani-Moroccan Joint Committee which was held in Muscat over two days concluded on Monday.
During the meeting, the Omani side was led by Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and the Moroccan side was led by Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The joint committee discussed cooperation in various fields, especially in economic, commercial and investment areas, and means of developing them.
The following statement was issued after the meeting:
“In response to a kind invitation from Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Kingdom of Morocco, paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman during the period from January 6-7, 2019.
Amidst an atmosphere dominated by the spirit of love and brotherhood, which embodies the deep brotherly relations existing between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Morocco, and the links between them and their two brotherly peoples, the Omani-Moroccan Joint Committee held its 5th session in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on Monday January 7, 2019 under the chairmanship of Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Kingdom of Morocco, with the participation of a number of officials in the two brotherly countries.
The two sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation relations and expressed their satisfaction with the level of these relations. They have stressed the need to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in all political, economic, commercial, industrial, judicial, developmental, educational, manpower, civil service, and other fields that will open new horizons for cooperation between the two countries to achieve their aspirations and hopes.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to Arab joint action based on cooperation, integration and mutual respect and good neighbourliness, aimed at consolidating the foundations of stability and lasting development in the region. In this regard, the two sides expressed their permanent solidarity with the just Arab issues and stance against all attempts to undermine national sovereignty and the unity, stability and security of Arab states.
The Moroccan side noted the role played by the Sultanate of Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to establish the pillars of security and peace in its regional and international arenas.
On his part, the Omani side praised the leading role played by the Kingdom of Morocco, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to establish peace and stability at the regional and international levels. The Omani side also commended His Majesty’s steadfast efforts to consolidate peace and development in the African continent.

The Moroccan side reviewed the developments of the Moroccan Sahara issue, stressing that the initiative on serious, realistic and credible autonomy is the basis for negotiations to resolve this issue. The Omani side supported the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco and appreciated the wisdom of the leadership which upholds the peaceful solution to Sahara issue and to serve security and stability in the region.
The two sides stressed their rejection of extremism and terrorism in all its forms, whatever its justifications, motives and means. They stressed the importance of concerted regional and international efforts to confront such dangerous phenomena, eradicating its causes, while at the same time calling for strengthening channels of dialogue among civilisations, cultures and religions, and the promotion of the values ​​of equality, tolerance and coexistence.
The Omani side highly appreciated the role played by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al Quds Committee, for the protection of the legal status of Al Quds Al Sharif and maintaining its Arab and Islamic identity, as well as its human heritage.
Emphasising the importance of continuing and strengthening cooperation between the two brotherly countries, the two sides signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the following fields:
MoU between the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Morocco.

MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Sultanate and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fishing in the Kingdom of Morocco in the field of agriculture and livestock and fish.
MoU in the field of higher education and scientific research between the Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Training in the Kingdom of Morocco.
MoU between the Ministry of Social Development in the Sultanate and the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Solidarity in the Kingdom of Morocco for promoting the status of women, family and social development.
MoU between the Institute of Public Administration in the Sultanate and the National Higher School of Management in the Kingdom of Morocco in the field of capacity-building for government officials.
At the conclusion of the work of the Committee, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Kingdom of Morocco, expressed his thanks and appreciation and that of the accompanying delegation for the warm reception, generosity and hospitality during their visit to the Sultanate of Oman. He submitted an invitation to Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and members of the Committee on the Omani side to visit the Kingdom of Morocco for meetings of the next session of the Committee.
 — ONA