Morocco-Peru Parliamentary Friendship Group Pushes for Stronger Ties
The Morocco-Peru Parliamentary Friendship Group aims to strengthen bilateral relations following Peru's withdrawal of support for the Polisario Front. Key initiatives include a free trade agreement, visa-free travel, establishing a Peruvian consulate in Dakhla, and port cooperation. These developments promise enhanced economic and diplomatic ties between the nations.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The Morocco-Peru Parliamentary Friendship Group is taking bold steps to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations, following Lima's decision to withdraw support for the Polisario Front. This move marks a significant shift in Peru's stance on the Western Sahara issue and opens new avenues for cooperation between Morocco and Peru.
Ambitious Initiatives Unveiled
During a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's visit to Peru, the parliamentary group presented a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral relations[4]. These proposals include:
- Free Trade Agreement: Pushing for a comprehensive free trade agreement to boost economic ties.
- Visa-Free Travel: Advocating for the elimination of visa requirements for Moroccan tourists visiting Peru.
- Consulate in Dakhla: Proposing the establishment of a Peruvian consulate in Dakhla, a move that would further recognize Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara region.
- Port Cooperation: Suggesting a cooperation agreement between the ports of Chancay in Peru and Dakhla in Morocco, potentially enhancing maritime trade and logistics between the two countries.
Growing Parliamentary Support
The commemoration event saw a significant turnout of Peruvian Congress members, indicating growing support for strengthening ties with Morocco[4]. This gathering demonstrates the increasing importance of Morocco-Peru relations within Peru's political landscape.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The relationship between Morocco and Peru has been evolving positively in recent years:
- In 2023, a delegation of Peruvian parliamentarians visited Morocco, expressing the importance of maintaining strong and active relations.
- Peru has recently shown support for Morocco's Autonomy Initiative in Western Sahara, with a support group formed within the Peruvian Congress.
- The two countries celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, marked by the 7th edition of the Political Consultation Mechanism held in Lima.
Future Prospects
These initiatives, if implemented, could significantly enhance economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between Morocco and Peru. The proposed free trade agreement and port cooperation could boost bilateral trade, while the establishment of a consulate in Dakhla would be a strong diplomatic statement supporting Morocco's position on the Western Sahara issue.
As both countries continue to engage in high-level dialogues and parliamentary exchanges, the Morocco-Peru relationship appears poised for substantial growth and deepened cooperation across various sectors.
