Rabat, April 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: Morocco and the European Union have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties following high-level talks held in Rabat on April 16, 2026, between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The meeting built on renewed momentum generated by the 15th EU–Morocco Association Council held earlier this year, with both sides highlighting the depth, dynamism, and strategic importance of their longstanding partnership.
Addressing the media after the talks, Kallas described EU–Morocco relations as a “close, reliable, and strategic relationship,” rooted in shared interests and mutual trust. She noted that the partnership has evolved into a structured framework encompassing political, economic, and sectoral cooperation.
On the issue of Western Sahara, Kallas reiterated the EU’s support for a United Nations-led political process, referencing recent developments at the United Nations Security Council. She underscored the importance of negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal and welcomed constructive engagement by all parties, including recent diplomatic efforts facilitated by the United States in coordination with the UN.
The EU position emphasizes dialogue without preconditions and considers genuine autonomy as a viable pathway toward a mutually acceptable solution that ensures self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. It also expressed readiness to support ongoing consultations and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.
For his part, Bourita stressed the structural depth of Morocco–EU relations, describing the partnership as a “concrete reality” developed over more than five decades. He highlighted its multi-dimensional nature, encompassing political, economic, security, social, cultural, and human aspects, grounded in mutual respect and shared ambition.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the EU–Morocco Association Agreement and expressed their intention to finalize a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership aimed at elevating bilateral relations to a higher level.
As part of the agreed roadmap, Morocco and the EU will hold upcoming political consultations in Rabat, organize a security dialogue before the end of the year, and relaunch the full cycle of institutional meetings under the Association Agreement to ensure continuity and a more structured framework for cooperation.
