Morocco and Brazil announced the resumption of the direct air route between Casablanca and Brasilia, which had been suspended for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic, along with their desire to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.
This was stated during a joint press conference by Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in Rabat. Bourita said, “Today we officially announce the return of the direct flight between Casablanca and Brasilia, set to commence next December.” He added that the relations between the two countries are historic and genuine, not merely “diplomatic rhetoric.”
Bourita regarded his counterpart’s visit to Morocco as occurring amidst positive developments between the two countries on all levels, particularly in security, military, and economic areas. Trade exchanges have doubled since 2017, especially in the fertilizer sector. Recently, the Moroccan monarch announced the appointment of a military attaché at the Rabat embassy in Brazil and the signing of a security agreement.
Bourita highlighted that the two countries have significant opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the Atlantic domain, where both have initiatives in maritime areas. He affirmed that “Rabat considers Brazil a significant global player defending the rights of the world, and a strong and effective partner.”
He praised Brazil’s roles in the G20 and the BRICS organization, stating, “Morocco generally commends Brazil’s roles in international arenas that are of interest to Rabat.”
On his part, the Brazilian minister confirmed that there are multiple areas of cooperation between the countries, especially given that trade exchanges have grown in recent years. He added, “We are keen on diversifying trade exchanges in the future, and following this, Brazil intends to enhance its phosphate imports from Morocco.”
Vieira noted that the appointment of a Moroccan military attaché to its embassy in Brazil would significantly “enhance military cooperation between the two countries.”
The ministers also announced a consensus on several international and regional issues, particularly the war in Gaza.