Morocco and the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday in London aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the field of maritime transport. This memorandum was signed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Qaiouh, and the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Robert Tieman, on the sidelines of the 34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), currently taking place in the British capital. The agreement seeks the mutual recognition of seafarers' competency certificates, in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). It also aims to promote the mobility of sailors and ensure compliance with international standards in training and certification, in line with the STCW Convention. This memorandum of understanding reflects the commitment of both parties to implement the necessary measures for the effective application of the STCW Convention, thereby contributing to maritime safety, the quality of seafarer skills, and the competitiveness of fleets. Speaking on this occasion, Tieman stated that this memorandum of understanding will allow both parties to recognize the certificates of sailors on Dutch and Moroccan ships and will facilitate the recruitment of highly qualified personnel in this field. The Dutch minister, who welcomed the signing of this agreement, emphasized that it is an important moment for both countries in a global context that requires increased cooperation. For his part, Qaiouh noted that this memorandum of understanding paves the way for deeper cooperation with the Netherlands, a longstanding maritime nation with extensive experience in the field.
