By HAN News Desk
RABAT – Morocco has reiterated its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and efforts to promote peace and stability, following a meeting between Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
According to a statement from Akhannouch’s office, the Head of Government conveyed King Mohammed VI’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries. He also reaffirmed Morocco’s backing for “all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia over its territory.”
Akhannouch further expressed appreciation for Somalia’s consistent support of Morocco’s territorial integrity, particularly its vote in favour of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a viable political solution to the Western Sahara dispute. Somalia was one of 11 members that supported the landmark resolution adopted on 31 October.
Prime Minister Barre said his talks with Akhannouch centred on deepening diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues for economic and political cooperation. Barre is currently in Tangier as part of a high-level Somali delegation attending the MEDays Forum.
Although Morocco and Somalia enjoy strong diplomatic relations, economic exchanges remain limited. According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Moroccan exports to Somalia reached $317,000 in 2023, consisting mainly of refined petroleum ($177,000), packaged medicines ($75,100), and confectionery sugar ($44,800). Export volumes have grown at an annual rate of 4.63% since 2018.
Somalia exported goods worth $587,000 to Morocco in 2023, primarily insect resins. However, the OEC noted that Somali exports to Morocco have remained flat over the past five years.
