Morocco and the Sultanate of Oman signed on Monday in Muscat several memorandums of understanding to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. These agreements were concluded at the end of the 5th Morocco-Oman joint commission co-chaired by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Omani counterpart Youssef bin Alaoui. These memoranda of understanding focus on social development, Habous and Islamic Affairs, higher education and scientific research, agriculture, tourism and administrative training. Bourita said bilateral trade between Morocco and Oman has increased by 157 pc over the last five years, from 207 million dirhams (MDH) to 532 MDH. He also recalled the launch, last July, of a direct air route between Muscat and Casablanca, hoping that trade and tourism between the two countries will increase through this initiative. The distance separating the two countries has not slowed down communication between the two peoples, he said, adding that no less than 181 Omani students are studying in Moroccan universities and institutes. Bourita, who said that nearly 4,500 Moroccans are living in Oman, noted that Morocco is following the Omani policy under the enlightened leadership of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which is based on respect for the sovereignty of States and their territorial integrity and the promotion of dialogue and peaceful options for the settlement of crises and conflicts.
