Musings From Abroad

Spainish PM, Pedro Sanchez, visits Morocco to mend diplomatic tension

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2023

North African country, Morocco has continued effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with European allies as Spain’s Prime minister is currently on a visit to the country.

Received by his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch, the Spaniard, Pedro Sanchez and Akhannouch presided over an economic forum in Rabat.

The trip to the north African Kingdom is aimed at further mending ties after a deep diplomatic crisis between the countries was resolved last year.

“Pedro Sacnhez said, Our common goal is to launch a new stage that will allow us to take advantage of the full potential offered by the relationship between our two countries [it will be built on] a renewed basis of trust and in according with agreements, mutual respect and understanding. We will sign 24 agreements.”

Sanchez and a dozen ministers will meet with top members of the Moroccan government on Thursday.

Spain’s authorities have hinted on plan to “completely normalise the passage of people and goods at crossing points”.

Spain is the third-largest investor in Morocco. Nevertheless, these ties have not eliminated the risk of serious conflict between the two countries nor the frequent outbreak of tension.

The six countries in Northern Africa – Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia have historically been and remain significant countries of migrant destination, transit and departure.

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Musings From Abroad

Brazilian meatpacker JBS invests $2.5 billion in Nigeria, builds six facilities

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Brazilian meatpacker JBS says it has inked a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian government for a $2.5 billion investment plan that will include the construction of six new plants in the African nation.

Three of the plants would deal in poultry, two in beef, and one in pork, according to a statement from JBS.

In accordance with the memorandum of understanding, JBS stated that it would develop a five-year investment plan in Nigeria, which would include budget estimates, feasibility studies, and an action plan for the development of the local supply chain.

The Nigerian government would then guarantee the sanitary, regulatory, and economic conditions required for the project’s viability, JBS continued.

Musings From Abroad

China’s Xi meets with Morocco’s Crown Prince

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Morocco’s official media reports that Chinese President, Xi Jinping, visited Morocco briefly on Thursday.

According to Morocco’s MAP, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed Xi in Casablanca. The visit demonstrated the close ties of camaraderie, collaboration, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, it said.

China’s official broadcaster, CCTV, said that Xi and Hassan had a “cordial conversation” at the airport after being received by the Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

After attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, Xi paid the visit.

In recent years, China has increased its investments in Morocco’s rail and infrastructure. Morocco is desirable for Chinese electric car battery manufacturers because of its proximity to Europe, free trade agreements with important EU and US markets, and an established automotive sector.

Morocco was chosen by Chinese EV battery company Gotion High Tech in June to establish Africa’s first gigafactory, which will cost $1.3 billion in total.