Taking a closer look at the Moroccan-Serbian friendship and its future potentials
The international relations between Serbia and Morocco have been evolving for a long time. Today, these two countries are a perfect example of how important it is to have these kinds of international cooperation’s for the benefit of their own citizens. What were the biggest achievements of this partnership, what can both sides learn from each other and are there any areas in which this partnership can improve are some of the questions that we discussed with H. E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, the Ambassador of Morocco to Serbia.
It has been over 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Serbia. What do you consider to be the most important achievement of this bilateral cooperation?
On the first of March this year, the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Morocco will celebrate the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This occasion is an opportunity to celebrate our excellent relations of friendship, mutual trust and respect, built by more than three generations of distinguished people committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation between our brotherly nations.
Indeed, Serbia and Morocco, sharing common obligations and commitments to uphold respect for international law and its sacred principles of defence of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of United Nations Member States, are steadily and surely building the pace of a solid partnership through their exemplary coordination in the various international forums, the exchange of high-level visits, the consolidation of the legal framework governing their cooperation and, most importantly, their firm determination to further strengthen their cooperation in numerous areas of mutual interest.
In this regard, I am convinced that 2024 will see the fruition of many planned initiatives, whether in the political field, such as the holding of the 3rd meeting of the Joint Economic Commission and the first meeting of the Moroccan-Serbian Business Council in Belgrade, or in the cultural, economic and academic fields.
Increasing trade between our two countries is one of the tasks for the near future
Morocco has been working hard on transforming green energy. Is there any potential for Serbia and Morocco to cooperate more closely in this field?
The transition to green energy is one of the key objectives of Morocco’s New Development Model, which was launched in 2021. Thanks to the farsighted vision and leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the country began its transition to zero-carbon energy more than a decade ago and now aims to generate 52 per cent of its domestic electricity from renewables by 2030 and around 80 per cent by 2050 – a target that is considered the “most credible” in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to a recent report by Global Energy Monitor.
To this end, the Kingdom has committed to doubling its investment in renewable energy by a factor of four to five compared to the period 2009-2022, representing an annual commitment of around $1.5 billion by 2030.
Morocco is also accelerating its efforts to produce green hydrogen, with the aim of reaching a total production of 160 terawatt-hours by 2050, underlining the country’s commitment to becoming a major player in the transition to sustainable energy and a key player in the global energy market in the face of current challenges.
It should be noted that Morocco and the UK have already signed a £20 billion plan to build what will be by far the longest undersea cable in the world (3,800km), which will supply up to 7.5% of the UK’s electricity consumption by bringing solar and wind energy from Morocco’s southern provinces.
Morocco therefore has a great deal of experience and expertise in the field of green energy and is ready to share this know-how with friendly countries such as the Republic of Serbia in the context of a win-win partnership, taking into account Belgrade’s status as an innovation hub on the European continent and as a centre of excellence in the field of innovation and new technologies.
In which areas can Serbia and Morocco deepen their already traditionally good bilateral relations?
Rabat and Belgrade have developed a consistent pattern in recent years of holding regular political consultations at the highest level through exchanges of visits at ministerial level, in particular Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Parliaments. Our aim is therefore to maintain this tradition and to explore ways of taking it to an even higher level.
On the other hand, and in addition to cooperation in the field of renewable energy, our two countries have other avenues for cooperation to explore, namely in some specific areas that have already been identified, such as agriculture and agro-industry, and here I must point out that Morocco is a major player in the global fertiliser market and has announced plans to rapidly produce one million tonnes of “green ammonia” from green hydrogen and to triple this amount by 2032 to meet growing global demand.
There is also a strong emphasis on further strengthening cooperation in the areas of mutual investment and trade, manufacturing, education, innovation and IT.
The legal framework for a direct flight is already in place and it is now up to the airlines to make it happen
In the past you mentioned that our economic exchange remains below the level that the leaders of our countries aspire to. In your opinion, which would be the key sectors for future investments?
Indeed, increasing trade between our two countries is one of the tasks for the near future. Our role as a diplomatic mission is to present to our business communities the opportunities that both our countries have to offer in terms of business and investment, and to assist them in any way we can.
The reality is, as I have already explained, that our economic exchanges remain below the level that the leaders of our countries would like to see, but in recent years we have been able to observe that there is a growing appetite in both countries to do more in this regard, and my Embassy is receiving an increasing number of requests for information on some specific markets from both Moroccan and Serbian companies, mainly in the mining, metals and food sectors.
I continue to believe and reiterate that all that is needed to boost our trade and economic relations is a success story that provides the necessary momentum and the right narrative to inspire our business communities to seize the many opportunities that lie ahead.
Can we expect a direct airline between Morocco and Serbia anytime soon?
The prospect of a direct flight between Morocco and Serbia is certainly an exciting possibility, as connectivity through direct flights could significantly contribute to strengthening economic, cultural and tourism ties between the two nations.
Moreover, with Belgrade set to host Expo 2027 and Morocco, along with Spain and Portugal, set to host the 2030 World Cup, I believe this direct route is more necessary than ever. The good news is that the legal framework is already in place and it is now up to the airlines to make it happen.
Although I cannot give you a direct answer at the moment, what I can say is that negotiations are underway and I am very optimistic that I will be on board for the first direct flight between our countries before the end of my diplomatic tour in Serbia.
Indeed, all Moroccans who have visited Serbia have been enchanted by the warmth of its people, which is another common trait we share
What would you say to the citizens of Serbia – why should they visit Morocco?
I would like to invite my fellow Serbian friends to imagine a place where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a blend of Arab, Berber, sub-Saharan African and European influences; to explore the diverse natural beauty, from the golden dunes of the Sahara to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, from the majestic Atlantic Ocean to the warm beaches of the Mediterranean; indulge your senses with a mouth-watering, savoury cuisine, renowned for its aromatic spices and unique combinations; discover architectural wonders, including intricate mosques, palaces and historic medinas, where the ancient and the modern blend to take you on a timeless journey; experience legendary hospitality, warm welcomes and genuine friendliness; and find unique souvenirs and gifts, from woven carpets to exquisite tilework, all handmade by local artisans.
Fortunately for our Serbian friends, they do not need to imagine such a place, they only need to come to Morocco and experience it for themselves.
Morocco is a unique destination that offers an unforgettable experience.
And how would you invite Moroccan citizens to Serbia – what is it you like the most here, and what would you recommend to your compatriots?
As more and more Moroccan tourists are discovering, Serbia is a hidden gem in the Balkan region. Serbia beckons with a captivating blend of rich history, stunning nature, vibrant culture and some of the most hospitable people you will find in Europe. Indeed, all Moroccans who have visited Serbia have been enchanted by the warmth of its people, which is another common trait we share.
Furthermore, Belgrade holds a special place in the hearts of Moroccans, as it was the capital of the former Yugoslavia and a place they associate with diversity, beauty and positive vibes.
Moreover, Serbia’s location in the heart of Europe and as a portal to the entire Western Balkan region makes it all the more attractive to Moroccans wishing to explore these parts of the world.
