King Mohammed VI, President Xi JINPING discuss Morocco-China partnership in the fight against COVID-19

King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Xi JINPING of China have discussed the means to foster the two countries’ cooperation in a set of fields, among which is the fight against the coronavirus, said the Royal Office.

This came in a phone call between the Moroccan Monarch and the Chinese President, the Royal Office said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed the future stages of operational cooperation between Morocco and China, as part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. They also raised political dialogue, economic cooperation and cultural and human exchanges.

The talks were an occasion to thank China for its assistance to Morocco in its efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, notably in terms of medical equipment and tests, as well as in sharing information and expertise.

The Chinese news agency, Xinhua, quoted President Xi Jinping as saying that his country “stands ready to promote cooperation with Morocco on COVID-19 vaccine development and production.”

He recalled that Morocco supported China in the early days of its COVID-19 battle, offering “invaluable support and solidarity” while taking care of Chinese citizens stranded in Morocco.

The Chinese president also reiterated that once his country finds a vaccine it will be made a public good, stressing the need for multilateralism and support for the WHO.

Two Covid-19 vaccine candidates developed by state-owned China National Biotec Group have been approved for phase 3 trials in Peru and Morocco.

Morocco has approved Phase 3 clinical trials for a potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by China National Biotec Group (CNBG).

“China and Morocco, Xi stressed, enjoy a profound traditional friendship with consistent mutual understanding and trust, and have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns,” the Chinese news agency said quoting Xi Jinping.

“China encourages competent Chinese companies to invest and do business in Morocco, and stands ready to work with Morocco to steadily bolster cooperation in various fields within such frameworks as the Belt and Road Initiative,” Xi Jinping said.

Relations between the two countries gained momentum following the King’s visit to Beijing, in May 2016, that was marked by the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership.