Morocco signs landmark Belt and Road deal

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China has signed a landmark agreement with the North African country of Morocco on Friday to build the Belt and Road, an ambitious initiative raised by Beijing to invest in infrastructure and boost connectivity across the Eurasian Continent.

The deal was reached as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Beijing. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly build the Belt and Road.

Morocco added to the list of signatories for the Beijing initiative, with 76 countries and international organizations now in total.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the signing of the MoU shows that Morocco attaches great importance to developing the bilateral relations. He added that the two sides should push forward the strategic partnership to a new level in the coming year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relationship.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Beijing, China November 17, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita said Morocco hopes to expand cooperation with Beijing in a number of political and economic issues including fighting terrorism, boosting bilateral trade and raising investment in railway construction. He also says Morocco welcomes Chinese firms to use the country as a springboard to expand their market in Africa and the Arab world.

He also expressed support to China's defending of its territorial integrity and maritime rights.

The China-Moroccan foreign ministers' meeting comes ahead of the 2nd China-Africa Investment Forum, which will be held in Morocco's city of Marrakech on November 27 and 28. More than 400 top level Chinese and African business leaders are expected to attend the forum.