Strengthening the Moroccan-Japanese Partnership in the Fisheries Sector: A High-Level Meeting Reflects the Robustness of Bilateral Cooperation
In a new step that reaffirms the strength of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Japan, Ms. Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries, received this morning, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Rabat, H.E. Mr. Nakata Masahiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Morocco, in a meeting dedicated to exploring ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of fisheries.
During the meeting, Ms. Zakia Driouich praised the depth of Moroccan-Japanese relations in the fisheries sector, which have been consolidated over more than four decades thanks to the wise vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him. She emphasized Japan’s leading role as the primary financier of Morocco’s fisheries sector and a strategic partner that has continuously supported its development.
This meeting was also an opportunity to review a number of major projects that reflect the quality of this fruitful cooperation. Notable among them are the construction of the oceanographic research vessel “Al Hassan Al Marrakchi,” funded by Japan in 2018, the development of a next-generation fishermen’s village in “Souiria Qdima” (2024–2027), and the aquaculture development project within the framework of the Blue Growth vision.
Discussions also addressed the prospects of relaunching the trilateral cooperation program “Precaf II” between Morocco, Japan, and African countries, which aims to strengthen the skills of African professionals in the fisheries sector, within the dynamic of South-South cooperation. Both parties also emphasized the importance of continuing multilateral coordination within regional and international organizations concerned with fisheries and marine resources, and issues related to oceans.
In addition, the meeting touched on the bilateral fisheries agreement, as part of preparations for the upcoming annual consultation session scheduled to take place later this year in Tokyo.
The meeting concluded with a renewed joint commitment to further develop the Moroccan-Japanese partnership in the fisheries sector and to explore new opportunities that serve sustainable development and the valorization of marine resources, in line with the Kingdom’s strategic orientations.
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