In Rabat, the capital of Morocco, Federal Minister Faeser said that she wanted to “launch a process of renewing and intensifying bilateral cooperation on migration and security issues.” During her visit to the capital, she met with her Moroccan counterpart, Minister of the Interior Abdelouafi Laftit, for extensive talks. They signed a joint declaration to resume cooperation in all areas of interior policy.

Working together as equal partners

Morocco plays an important political role in the entire region of North Africa and is one of the European Union’s direct neighbours and key partners. Germany and Morocco already have a good working relationship when it comes to civil protection and disaster management. They also work together to fight organised crime and the narcotics trade. For Federal Minister Faeser, it was especially important to hear first-hand from Moroccan government representatives how they assess the security situation in the region.

Along with security issues, the visit also focused on the current migration situation. Federal Minister Faeser visited the Moroccan ministry responsible for employment to present Germany’s new Skilled Immigration Act. The law is intended to make Germany a more attractive destination for skilled workers, including those from Morocco. Many young Moroccans are very interested in working abroad, whether for a shorter or a longer period of time. Germany needs skilled workers in many fields, such as hospitality, health care and the construction industry.

Cooperative policy on migration

Federal Minister Faeser was accompanied by Joachim Stamp, the Federal Government Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements, because German-Moroccan cooperation on migration policy was also on the agenda at meetings with Morocco’s employment minister, Younes Sekkouri, and foreign affairs minister, Nasser Bourita. “Skilled workers immigrating to Germany from Morocco benefits both countries,” said Federal Minister Faeser, who used these meetings as well to strengthen the existing partnership.

Both countries are willing to increase their cooperation on returns again and to work together to limit irregular migration, in particular by combating the illegal smuggling of migrants.

2030 World Cup

As Germany’s federal minister responsible for sport, Faeser congratulated her hosts on Morocco’s successful bid to be a venue for the men’s football World Cup in 2030. She offered assistance from Germany’s Federal Police, who have a great deal of experience in providing security for major international sport events. “Our Federal Police would be honoured to help make the matches in Morocco a success,” the federal minister said. Together, Morocco, Portugal and Spain will be hosting the men’s football World Cup in 2030.