Switzerland and Morocco strengthen strategic partnership: focus on the economy, migration and regional stability
Bern, 24.04.2026 — Switzerland reaffirmed the strategic dimension of its relationship with Morocco, a key partner in North Africa, when the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, visited Bern and was received by federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans. Discussions centred on the two nations' increased cooperation on economic affairs and migration, shared commitments on climate change, and a convergence of views on regional issues, particularly in the Middle East and Western Sahara, within the multilateral framework of the UN.
The head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, received his Moroccan guest at the Von Wattenwyl House. Mr Bourita's visit provided an opportunity to review the latest concrete advances made by Switzerland and Morocco, particularly since Mr Cassis's visit to Rabat in June 2023.
Morocco is Switzerland's third-largest trading partner in Africa. Trade is growing significantly, approaching CHF 1 billion in 2025. Morocco's political stability and strong growth potential make it an attractive market and investment destination for Swiss companies. Since January 2025, Switzerland has made Morocco a priority country for its economic development cooperation, with the aim of supporting the country in its transformation towards a competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy.
Morocco is also one of Switzerland's key African partners in the fields of climate protection and science and innovation. The two countries signed a bilateral treaty in 2022, which contributes to achieving Switzerland's climate objectives by offsetting its emissions while encouraging Swiss investment in Morocco. In terms of science and innovation, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022, which enables them to jointly fund dozens of academic research projects and provide support for scientific forums in Switzerland and Morocco.
Mr Cassis took the opportunity of Mr Bourita's visit to discuss recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa. On the question of the Western Sahara, Mr Cassis reiterated Switzerland's support for the key role of the UN in achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution. In this regard, Switzerland welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2797, which affirms that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could be one of the most feasible solutions, and reiterates the importance of respecting the right to self-determination. This position was the subject of a joint communication by Switzerland and Morocco.
Strengthening cooperation on migration
During a working meeting with Mr Bourita, Federal Councillor Beat Jans praised the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. He noted that a key pillar of this partnership is effective cooperation on migration issues. In 2023, Switzerland and Morocco launched a migration dialogue, which has significantly strengthened operational cooperation, particularly in the area of returns. Switzerland also supports Morocco with specific projects aimed at protecting migrants and promoting local employment.
With this joint communication, the two countries are reinforcing this partnership-based approach in the field of migration. As part of the next migration dialogue, Switzerland and Morocco intend to improve cooperation on returns. Morocco plays a strategically important role in the regional management of migration in the southern Mediterranean region.
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Morocco, which began with Morocco's independence in 1956. That same year, Switzerland opened a legation in Rabat, which was upgraded to an embassy in 1960. Switzerland’s presence in Morocco actually dates back more than a century, with the opening of a consulate in Casablanca in November 1921. This centenary was celebrated during Minister Bourita’s last visit to Switzerland in December 2021.