Morocco, Netherlands Strengthen Cooperation on Migration, Security and Trade
New York, The Gulf Observer: Morocco and the Netherlands have discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in migration, security and trade during a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two ministers to review bilateral relations and cooperation across a range of areas, while exploring avenues for further strengthening ties between Rabat and The Hague. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and discussed coordination within international organisations.
Following the meeting, Berendsen described Morocco as a valuable partner and highlighted cooperation between the two countries in migration, security and trade.
The New York talks come amid efforts by Morocco and the Netherlands to broaden their partnership across several strategic sectors. The two countries have been working to expand cooperation in security, justice, migration, trade and maritime affairs.
During a working visit to Morocco in April 2026, the two foreign ministers reaffirmed their intention to deepen bilateral relations and advance cooperation toward a strategic partnership. They also agreed to develop a Morocco-Netherlands Multi-Sectoral Action Plan covering political dialogue, security, justice, migration, consular affairs, and cultural, scientific and human cooperation.
The April discussions followed a joint declaration signed in The Hague in December 2025, which set out areas for enhanced cooperation, including economic, agricultural, security, migration, cultural and scientific affairs. The declaration also envisaged a bilateral security dialogue and a specialised committee on counterterrorism.
Justice and security cooperation have likewise expanded, with the two sides discussing judicial cooperation, modernisation of Morocco’s justice system, exchange of expertise and the digitalisation of legal services. Cooperation against organised crime, terrorism and other cross-border security challenges has also featured in bilateral consultations.
Migration remains a key component of the relationship. Morocco and the Netherlands launched a Government-to-Government Migration and Mobility Partnership in 2022 and have continued consultations on migration management, including matters related to identification and travel documentation.
The two ministers’ latest meeting underscored the continued focus by Morocco and the Netherlands on strengthening bilateral cooperation while coordinating on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
