For his first official visit outside the European Union, the Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, Petr Macinka, chose Morocco. Received this Thursday in Rabat by his counterpart Nasser Bourita, he expressed his support for the kingdom's proposal regarding the Sahara. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita / Ph. MAE Morocco ‹ › The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Petr Macinka, has reaffirmed Prague's support for Morocco's position on the Sahara. During his visit to Rabat on Thursday, where he met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, he stated that «there is no better solution» to the regional dispute. Speaking at a press briefing after their meeting, Macinka praised «the positive initiatives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for regional development», particularly in the southern provinces, including the Dakhla region. «We particularly appreciate the progress made in the region you call the Moroccan Sahara and take note of the solution you are implementing», he said, adding that Rabat's autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty «is entirely feasible». «I am strongly opposed to what is called political correctness, which often seeks to mask a reality that everyone knows. That is why I fully understand the Moroccan officials' strong sense of realism when they use terms such as "Moroccan Sahara". I believe that one day, everyone will understand the truth and the real situation», Macinka added. In this context, the Czech official highlighted Morocco as the natural choice for his first visit to North Africa since taking office. «This is not merely a courtesy visit, but a visit to a friendly country and a strategic partner», he stressed. Discussions focused on further strengthening political and economic ties, as well as cooperation in security and defense, with Morocco described as the Czech Republic's «main trading partner» in Africa. Expanding cooperation from trade to security This momentum builds on growing cooperation over the past three years, including Prague's support for Morocco's position on the Sahara during Bourita's visit in October 2023. According to Macinka, «bilateral trade has exceeded one billion dollars per year, reaching a record of 1.6 billion in 2025». «We want to continue these efforts. For this purpose, I am accompanied by a large delegation of 25 major companies, in coordination with the Czech Chamber of Commerce, representing sectors such as water management, health, industry, agriculture, transport, and defense», he added. For his part, Nasser Bourita emphasized the «shared will» of both countries to elevate their ties «from friends to strategic partners», building on what he described as «still untapped potential». «We have all the necessary assets, including relations based on trust and clear, constructive positions, starting with the Sahara. These constitute even stronger foundations for an enhanced partnership», he said. Bourita also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in military and defense industries, as well as in the automotive and aerospace sectors, alongside Morocco's role as a gateway to African markets. Macinka's visit coincides with the Morocco–Czech Republic Economic Forum, held on Thursday, aimed at strengthening business ties and supporting Morocco's interests within the European Union through Prague. According to the Moroccan foreign minister, this dynamic will also support «the entry of Moroccan operators into Central and Eastern European markets», with cooperation expected to expand into areas such as innovation, agri-food, cybersecurity, and digitalization, alongside strengthened political dialogue grounded in converging international positions.
