The United Kingdom and Morocco have entered into an Enhanced Strategic Partnership following high-level talks in Rabat on Sunday, 1st of June, between UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The agreement, emerging from the 5th Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue, represents a significant deepening of ties between the two nations, whose diplomatic relationship spans over 800 years. With bilateral trade having doubled to £4.2 billion since 2021, the partnership aims to strengthen cooperation across security, defence, trade, and infrastructure while addressing regional challenges in North Africa and the Sahel.
In a major diplomatic development, the UK has endorsed Morocco's 2007 autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute." As a permanent UN Security Council member, Britain called for urgent progress on the long-stalled issue, arguing that the ongoing conflict prevents regional integration and hampers North African stability. The UK pledged active support for UN efforts led by Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura and committed to acting "bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally" to support conflict resolution. This backing represents a significant boost for Morocco's position on the disputed territory and aligns the UK with other nations that have recognised Moroccan sovereignty claims over Western Sahara.
The partnership encompasses sweeping agreements across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on defence and economic cooperation. Defence collaboration will focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and defence industry partnerships, including potential UK investments in Moroccan military capabilities. UK Export Finance has committed £5 billion to support new business opportunities, including potential projects in Western Sahara, subject to due diligence requirements. Infrastructure cooperation includes support for Morocco's 2030 FIFA World Cup preparations, renewable energy projects, water management systems, and healthcare modernisation. The agreement also establishes a Morocco Business Alliance and includes provisions for enhanced educational exchanges, with Morocco announcing automatic recognition of UK higher education qualifications and plans to expand British university campuses in the country.
Read the full official statement here.