On 18 August, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita on the phone.

Foreign Minister Bourita expressed the deep appreciation of King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan government for China’s strong support in the most critical moment of his country’s fight against COVID-19. He noted that China’s experience in combating the disease gave Morocco much to draw on. Morocco has full confidence in China’s vaccine technology and looks forward to the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement as soon as possible. Morocco firmly supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, whether in the United Nations or on other occasions. This position is clear and unequivocal. Morocco supports China in advancing health cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and hopes to see ever deeper friendship between the two countries to the greater benefit of their peoples.

Wang pointed out that, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and King Mohammed VI, the China-Morocco strategic partnership has withstood the test of COVID-19 and is being further elevated. China values its friendship with Morocco and will continue to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding and support with Morocco. China will continue to assist Morocco’s fight against COVID-19 and economic reopening, and support its just position in the regional and international arena.

Wang noted that COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment in China, once available, will be made a global public good. African countries will be among the first to benefit from China’s vaccine program as part of its support for the continent’s fight against the virus. China also supports close communication and cooperation between Morocco and relevant companies on possible agreement regarding the development and use of vaccine.