Czech Republic Backs Sahara in Rabat

Czech Republic’s Top Diplomat Affirms Strong Support for Morocco’s Sahara Stance in Landmark Visit

Rabat, Morocco – In a significant diplomatic move, the Czech Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petr Macinka, has undertaken his inaugural official visit outside the European Union to Morocco. During his Thursday meeting in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, Minister Macinka unequivocally reaffirmed Prague’s backing for the Kingdom’s proposal concerning the Sahara, declaring it the most viable solution to the protracted regional dispute.

Speaking at a joint press briefing following their extensive discussions, Minister Macinka lauded the “positive initiatives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for regional development,” with particular emphasis on the progress observed in Morocco’s southern provinces, including the Dakhla region. He expressed the Czech Republic’s appreciation for the advancements being made in what he referred to as the “Moroccan Sahara,” acknowledging the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as “entirely feasible.”

Minister Macinka articulated a clear stance against what he termed “political correctness,” which he believes often obscures evident realities. He stated his full understanding of the “strong sense of realism” demonstrated by Moroccan officials in their use of terminology like “Moroccan Sahara,” expressing confidence that the truth of the situation will eventually be universally recognized.

The choice of Morocco for his first official visit to North Africa since assuming his current role underscores the strategic importance of the Kingdom to the Czech Republic. Minister Macinka emphasized that this was more than a mere courtesy call, describing it as a visit to a “friendly country and a strategic partner.” The discussions between the two ministers were comprehensive, focusing on deepening political and economic cooperation, as well as enhancing collaboration in the crucial areas of security and defense. Morocco was highlighted as the Czech Republic’s “main trading partner” on the African continent.

Deepening Economic and Security Ties: A Strategic Partnership Flourishes

The momentum in bilateral relations has been building significantly over the past three years. This includes Prague’s concrete support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara, a stance also expressed during Minister Bourita’s visit to the Czech Republic in October 2023. Minister Macinka revealed that bilateral trade has surpassed the one billion US dollar mark annually, reaching an impressive record of 1.6 billion dollars in 2025.

To further bolster this economic relationship, Minister Macinka was accompanied by a substantial delegation comprising 25 prominent Czech companies. This delegation, coordinated with the Czech Chamber of Commerce, represented a diverse range of vital sectors, including:

• Water management
• Healthcare
• Industry
• Agriculture
• Transport
• Defense

This delegation’s presence signals a strong Czech commitment to exploring and expanding investment and trade opportunities within Morocco.

Shared Vision for Enhanced Partnership and Regional Integration

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita echoed the sentiment of a deepening partnership, emphasizing the “shared will” of both nations to elevate their relationship from that of “friends to strategic partners.” He noted the “still untapped potential” that exists within their bilateral ties, attributing the strength of their foundation to mutual trust and clear, constructive positions, particularly concerning the Sahara.

Minister Bourita also pointed to significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation in several key sectors:

• Military and Defense Industries: Exploring joint ventures and technology transfers.
• Automotive and Aerospace Sectors: Leveraging Morocco’s growing manufacturing capabilities.
• Gateway to African Markets: Utilizing Morocco’s strategic geographical position to facilitate Czech access to the wider African continent.

Economic Forum Underscores Bilateral Ambitions

Minister Macinka’s visit coincided with the Morocco–Czech Republic Economic Forum, held on Thursday. This forum was specifically designed to strengthen business-to-business connections and to champion Morocco’s interests within the European Union through the supportive framework provided by Prague.

According to the Moroccan foreign minister, this increased engagement is poised to facilitate the “entry of Moroccan operators into Central and Eastern European markets.” The envisioned expansion of cooperation extends across a broad spectrum of fields, including:

• Innovation
• Agri-food processing
• Cybersecurity
• Digitalization

These economic and technological collaborations are expected to be underpinned by a strengthened political dialogue, rooted in converging international positions and a shared commitment to global stability and development. The visit marks a new chapter in the robust and evolving relationship between the Czech Republic and Morocco.