In a significant move to strengthen their political and economic ties, Morocco and Slovenia have agreed to open embassies in each other’s capitals, Rabat and Ljubljana. The decision was announced on Tuesday during talks in Rabat between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Slovenian counterpart, Tanja Fajon. “We welcome Slovenia’s decision to open an embassy in Rabat. This is also an opportunity for the Kingdom to announce its decision to open an embassy in Ljubljana,” said Bourita at a press briefing following the discussions.
Bourita highlighted that bilateral relations between the two countries have developed substantially over the past decade. He expressed hope that the embassies would be operational by early 2025, aiming to inject new momentum into diplomatic ties that have flourished for over 30 years. These relations have always been grounded in “mutual respect and fruitful partnership,” he noted, underscoring Morocco’s strategy of diversifying its partnerships within the European Union, with Slovenia being a key partner in this endeavour. Reflecting on the political alignment between the two nations, Bourita emphasized their shared views on regional and international issues, particularly in multilateral settings. On the economic front, however, he pointed out the need to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation, especially in sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, industry, tourism, food security, and pharmaceuticals. To this end, Bourita proposed organizing a business forum for economic operators from both countries.
The Moroccan Foreign Minister also praised Slovenia’s role in promoting Morocco’s relations with the European Union, advocating for a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership grounded in common interests and mutual understanding. Echoing these sentiments, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, described the relations between Morocco and Slovenia as “excellent.” She affirmed Slovenia’s commitment to developing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in various fields, including economy, tourism, culture, and education.
Fajon emphasized Morocco’s significance as one of Slovenia’s key trade partners in Africa and the Mediterranean. She also acknowledged Morocco’s pivotal role in fostering an “important and balanced” partnership with the EU. The joint communiqué issued after the meeting also addressed the Moroccan Sahara issue. Fajon reiterated Slovenia’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as “a good basis for reaching a definitive and consensual solution” to the regional dispute. She praised Morocco’s serious and credible efforts to achieve a political, realistic, pragmatic, durable, and mutually acceptable resolution based on compromise, under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General and his envoy.
Slovenia’s support makes it the 16th European Union country to back the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, presented in 2007, as the sole feasible solution to the Sahara conflict. Fajon’s official visit to Morocco, at the invitation of Bourita, coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Slovenia. This landmark decision to open embassies is expected to further solidify the longstanding and dynamic partnership between the two nations.
