On a visit to Morocco on Thursday 25 August 2022, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reaffirmed the support of her people to her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. A visit during which it was a question of strengthening the links of cooperation between the two countries and also to address the issue of the autonomy of Morocco over the Sahara.
“Morocco is an important partner for Germany and the European Union and also an important bridge to Arab North Africa and the southern African continent. The relationship between Germany and Morocco is not only close between governments, but also between hundreds of thousands of people in our two countries. With these words published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday 25 August, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbocka certified Germany’s support for Morocco. Since the diplomatic relationship between the two countries has been deteriorating for several years. This decision by the German authorities to renew ties with Morocco is one of the first taken by Chancellor Olaf Scholz when he took office.
Far from having a discussion to settle differences between the two countries, the debate also extended to “the special quality of bilateral relations in all fields, in the spirit of proven policies, coherence and mutual respect”.
It should be recalled that Morocco had decided to suspend its contact with Germany, especially after the grievances with Berlin and the Sahara issue.
This prompted the German Foreign Minister to have a first discussion by video conference in February with her Moroccan counterpart. This allowed them “to start a new dialogue to overcome misunderstandings and deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship”.
It should be noted that the objective of Annalena Baerbock’s visit is also to “launch a global programme of increased cooperation” which is an intensification of cooperation in six areas. These include security, climate and energy policy, development cooperation and cooperation in the economic sector and in cultural and educational policy.
Morocco’s autonomy over the Sahara also concerns Berlin.
Apart from the purpose for which the business minister was visiting, another important issue is discussed. It is about the autonomy of Morocco over the Sahara. Germany, for example, supports the Moroccan initiative, as it considers Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan to be a good basis for settling the regional conflict, while the Polisario demands a UN-sponsored referendum on self-determination.
Russian influence in Mali was also discussed.
The last topic of discussion between the two ministers was Mali. “Mali was an important point in our discussion. We all agreed that we cannot leave Mali alone and, above all, we cannot leave Mali to Russia”, added Minister Annalena Baerbock.
It should be noted that this is the first time that the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, is on an official visit to Morocco.
Thierry Hounye(stag)
