Blanar: Slovakia Interested in Closer Relations with Morocco

Rabat/Bratislava, May 22 (TASR-correspondent) - Slovakia wants to strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco, which is not only its most important strategic partner in Africa but also shares common views on many issues, Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated during his official visit to Morocco on Thursday, as reported by TASR's special correspondent. „The last bilateral visit by a Slovak foreign minister was by Jan Kubis in 2007. So, I think it was about time for us to come now in order to support political ties and economic diplomacy," said Blanar. The head of Slovak diplomacy signed a joint declaration and a memorandum of understanding with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Under terms of the memorandum, representatives of the Slovak and Moroccan foreign ministries will regularly discuss all promising areas for future cooperation. "There is huge potential, and we agreed not to pick a large number of projects but to focus on ones that will truly be meaningful," Blanar explained. The minister considers Morocco a close country for Slovakia, also because it has signed an association agreement with the European Union. He also emphasized the shared positions of both countries on issues related to international law, such as their aligned stance on the issue of Kosovo. „Morocco is Slovakia's most important trade partner in Africa," the minister reiterated. „We believe there is enormous potential for development," Blanar concluded, noting particular promise in areas such as the defense industry, tourism, green technologies, the IT sector, and mechanical engineering. Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD), who was part of the delegation, praised the opportunity to visit the Moroccan Ministry of Defense, where Slovak defense industry companies were showcased. "We were there together with our companies. Each had the opportunity to present itself during the official meeting with the defense minister, and there is great interest in establishing cooperation," said Kalinak. The Slovak companies that met with Moroccan partners include CSM Industry, DefTech, Konstrukta Defence, Way Industries, SEC Technologies, and ZVS Holding. mf