Japan-Morocco Relations

On September 5th, commencing at 9:30 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Foreign Minister Hayashi expressed his willingness to further develop the relationship between the two countries, given the longstanding excellent relations of both countries based on the friendship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Moroccan Royal Family, and the potential for further development of bilateral relationship in many fields.
In response, Minister Bourita welcomed the traditional friendship between the two countries and expressed his will to deepen cooperation in a wide range of fields, including high-level visits, trade and investment, and political dialogue, and to intensify bilateral cooperative relations.

With regard to the "Western Sahara" issue, Foreign Minister Hayashi, based on Japan’s established position, expressed support for the mediation efforts led by the UN Secretary-General and his Persona Envoy for Western Sahara to resolve this issue, and took note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcomed serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward toward a resolution of this issue.
In response, Minister Bourita welcomed Minister Hayashi's remarks.

The two ministers exchanged views on pressing regional and international situation, such as North Korea including the launch using ballistic missile technology on August 24th, as well as the situation in Ukraine. In addition, regarding the recently initiated release of ALPS treated water into the ocean, Foreign Minister Hayashi explained Japan's position, referring to the IAEA's assessment in its Comprehensive Report, and Minister Bourita stated that he has trust in the measures taken by Japan.