KATHMANDU, August 4: Nepal and Morocco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on consultations and cooperation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to a press statement issued by the Consulate Office of Morocco in Kathmandu, Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi and non-resident ambassador of Morocco to Nepal Mohamed Maliki signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments, on Thursday.
As per the MoU, the two countries shall further develop cooperation and facilitate exchange of visits as well as conduct consultations between the two countries in all fields of mutual interest, particularly in the political, economic, trade, investment, financial, industrial, educational, social, sports, scientific, technical and technological fields. Both Nepal and Morocco have also agreed to exchange views on matters of mutual interest as regard to bilateral, regional and international issues.
Nepal and Morocco established their bilateral relation in 1975 and the scope of mutual cooperation are yet to be explored fully. Morocco, one of the fastest growing economies, lies in between North Africa and Europe.
"Nepal may explore the possibilities of acquiring cooperation from Morocco especially in chemical fertilizer, agriculture, and development of skilled human resources in agricultural and tourism fields as Morocco is one of the largest fertilizer producer and exporter,” the statement said.
Morocco has also agreed to provide scholarships to Nepalese students in various fields of higher studies and training. The MoU also emphasizes on capitalizing on human values that are the best ingredients for prosperity.
On Friday, Ambassador Maliki hoisted the Moroccan flag at the Kathmandu-based consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco to mark the 18th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the national day of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Speaking on the occasion, Honorary Consul General of Morocco Basant K Chaudhary expressed his confidence that the consulate will pay a pivotal role in further consolidating the existing bilateral relations between Nepal and the Kingdom of Morocco in the days to come. Chaudhary also admired the innovations that is taking place in Morocco and said, "The friend in the desert has shown the friend in the Himalayas a new way of life."