A group dubbed ”Labour Friends of Morocco” (LFM) was launched in London on Wednesday with the aim of contributing to efforts to strengthen relations between Morocco and the Labour Party, which leads the British government.
The mechanism, launched and chaired by MP Joe Powell, aims to facilitate lasting partnerships based on shared values and meaningful collaboration.
The LFM will also advocate the strengthening of diplomatic, economic, cultural, and educational ties between Morocco and the UK.
By promoting closer cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, technology, agriculture, and tourism, the group aims to provide a platform for unlocking new opportunities for cooperative relations between Morocco and the UK.
With trade reaching £3.8 billion by 2024, there is real potential to develop economic exchanges, particularly in high-growth sectors, according to the group’s initiators.
In addition, the LFM aims to promote leadership on issues such as climate change, green technologies, and sustainability, thus reflecting the shared commitments of Morocco and the UK to tackling the planet’s most pressing challenges.
At the group’s launch ceremony, its members signed a pledge to further align the interests of both kingdoms, recognizing Morocco’s position as a key UK ally, as well as its vital role as a bridge between Europe and Africa.
“I am honored to chair the Labour Friends of Morocco group,” stated Mr. Powell, noting that his constituency of Kensington and Bayswater is home to one of the UK’s largest Moroccan communities, which he is “immensely proud” to represent.
The MP said he was “determined” to work with his colleagues in the British Parliament to strengthen ties between the UK and Morocco and provide a platform to discuss issues relevant to the Moroccan community in Britain.
For his part, Morocco’s ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui, welcomed the launch of the group, recalling that the Kingdom of Morocco and the UK share a historic partnership that goes from strength to strength.
There is great potential to take this relationship to even higher levels, he pointed out, noting that the group is likely to play a key role in developing new economic opportunities while fostering cultural and educational links between the two kingdoms.
“The Moroccan community in the UK serves as a vital bridge between our two nations, working to strengthen our ties and promote deeper mutual understanding,” argued Mr. Hajoui, noting that their contributions are ‘invaluable’ in advancing this shared vision of prosperity and collaboration.