Morocco, South Africa set to open new chapter in bilateral ties: Moroccan FM

RABAT, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita said here on Tuesday that Morocco and South Africa are set to open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at a press briefing following talks with his South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Bourita said the meeting was an opportunity to move forward in the goal set by the countries' leaders to strengthen diplomatic interaction and explore cooperation topics.

Last November, Morocco's King Mohammed VI and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma held a historic talk in Abidjan, on the sidelines of the 5th African Union-European Union Summit.

During the talks, the two leaders agreed to work together for a promising future, especially as Morocco and South Africa are two important poles of political stability and economic development.

Morocco and South Africa share the same vision on Africa that must take responsibility for itself, solve its problems and address its challenges, Bourita underscored.

The two FMs met on the sidelines Ministerial Conference for an African Agenda on Migration hosted by Morocco.

The meeting was an opportunity to coordinate action by the two countries on crucial topics, Bourita said, stressing the role of Morocco and South Africa remains pivotal regarding issues related to peace, development and migration.

The relations between the two countries have been tense for decades over conflicting views on many issues.

The move comes as part of Morocco's new policy of opening to other African nations since its decision to rejoin the African Union after 33 year of absence. Enditem