Strengthening Bonds: The Annual Gathering in Brussels
On June 9, 2026, the Belgian association "Friends of Morocco" hosted its annual gathering in Brussels, a notable event that highlighted the profound and resilient relationship between Morocco and Belgium, particularly focusing on the vibrant connections with Brussels as a capital city. This meeting, attended by ministers, high-ranking officials, elected representatives, diplomats, cultural and academic figures, and civil society actors from both nations, served as a platform to reaffirm the significant role played by the Moroccan community residing in Belgium in bolstering economic, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges between the two kingdoms. Furthermore, it emphasized the contributions of civil society as a crucial factor in enhancing bilateral ties and supporting the excellent institutional relationships that have developed over the years.
Human Connections: The Heart of Morocco-Belgium Relations
During the gathering, Boris Dilliès, the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region and the guest of honor, underscored that the bond between Belgium and Morocco is rooted in deep historical connections that transcend mere statistics, agreements, or institutional frameworks. He articulated that the uniqueness of Moroccan-Belgian relations lies not only in economic figures and official visits but also in the rich tapestry of human relationships that are woven throughout neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, making these connections palpably real. Dilliès noted the significance of the Moroccan diaspora in Belgium, particularly in Brussels, highlighting that as of 2025, more than one in ten residents in Brussels were of Moroccan descent, a statistic that tells the story of their shared history. He reminded attendees that the bilateral agreement on labor migration, signed over sixty years ago, has profoundly influenced the contemporary landscape of Belgium and Brussels.
The evolution of this relationship continues to flourish, with examples such as the Brussels Region's unique partnership with the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, established in 2001, which marks the oldest collaboration in development cooperation for the Belgian region, encompassing sectors like health, sports, environment, culture, and integration. Dilliès also acknowledged the positive trajectory of economic relations, noting a particularly favorable development in trade exchanges between Brussels and Morocco, alongside an increase in projects, investments, and partnerships between both parties.
On behalf of Morocco, Ambassador Mohamed Amir emphasized that the ties between the Moroccan and Belgian peoples are strengthening, buoyed by the dynamic political landscape exemplified in the joint declaration signed by the foreign ministers of both nations last October. He stated that this document not only set forth objectives on paper but also reaffirmed mutual trust and the shared commitment to face contemporary challenges together, elevating bilateral relations to unprecedented levels. The ambassador praised the role of the "Friends of Morocco" association in enhancing and enriching the relationship between the two countries, describing it as a vital force that provides civil society with a voice and face, uniting entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, and citizens who daily celebrate Moroccan-Belgian friendship through their interactions and collaborations.
Geoffroy Geneiry, the president of the association, echoed this sentiment, asserting that "Friends of Morocco" serves primarily as a space for dialogue and convergence, aimed at building a more harmonious future through cultural exchange and appreciation of diversity while highlighting the strength of shared values. He emphasized the pressing need to foster bridges rather than walls, dialogue over suspicion, and collaboration over confrontation, particularly in a global context often marked by tensions and misunderstandings. The event also featured a heartfelt tribute to the former president of the "Friends of Morocco" association, Francis Delpery, attended by Belgian Minister of Security and the Interior Bernard Cuwaert, acknowledging Delpery's human and professional virtues and his unwavering commitment to fostering closer ties between Morocco and Belgium, as well as his significant contributions to reinforcing Moroccan-Belgian relations and establishing pathways for dialogue and understanding between stakeholders from both countries.
As reported by alittihad.info.
