Ambassador Nazim Samadov: Morocco opens new opportunities for Azerbaijan on the African continent

The dynamics of political dialogue, growth in economic interaction, prospects for cooperation in energy, logistics and tourism, and shared approaches to global challenges - Baku and Rabat are shaping a new agenda for engagement.

In an interview with 1news.az, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Morocco Nazim Samadov discussed the key areas of Azerbaijan-Morocco cooperation and opportunities for its further expansion.

- How do you assess the current level of political relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco, and how actively is the dialogue between the two countries developing on bilateral and international platforms?

- Political relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco are at a high and dynamically developing level. They are based on the clear strategic vision of the heads of state - President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and King of Morocco Mohammed VI - as well as on mutual respect, trust and principled support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is the foundation that allows us to interact effectively both bilaterally and on international platforms - in the UN, OIC and other organizations.

Progress has been especially noticeable in recent years. In 2023, the 2nd session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission was held in Rabat, resulting in the signing of 8 agreements and memoranda in the fields of logistics, energy, environment and sustainable development, labor legislation, healthcare, etc. In November 2024, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch visited Azerbaijan for the first time to participate in COP29. In May 2025, an important event was the visit to Baku of Princess Lalla Hasna, during which issues of cultural and educational cooperation were discussed and meetings were held with First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva. It is also important to mention the visit of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva to Rabat in October 2024.

Azerbaijan actively participates in international cultural events in Morocco. The dialogue is regular and substantive: exchanges of visits at the ministerial level, the work of embassies, and consultations on regional and global issues. We value Morocco’s position on issues that are fundamental for Azerbaijan and consistently support the territorial integrity of the kingdom.

- Which areas of cooperation are the most promising today for Baku and Rabat, including in the spheres of trade, investment, energy, transport and logistics?

- The most promising areas are energy (including traditional and renewable), trade and investment, transport and logistics, as well as agriculture, tourism and the cultural-humanitarian sphere.

In energy, we already have a contractual framework for cooperation in the oil and gas industry, and new horizons are opening in “green” energy. In trade and investment, we are working on an agreement on mutual promotion and protection of investments; trade turnover is still modest but has significant growth potential thanks to new mechanisms and the interests of businesses in both countries.

In transport and logistics, relevant documents have been signed within the framework of the Joint Commission. Azerbaijan is actively developing the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), with cargo volumes growing by tens of percent annually. Morocco, with its modern ports (primarily Tangier-Med), can become an important link in global logistics chains, where Azerbaijan serves as a reliable bridge between Europe and Asia.

A particularly promising area is tourism. Since August 2024, a visa-free regime has been in effect between our countries for citizens with ordinary passports (up to 90 days), which significantly simplifies travel and creates excellent conditions for the growth of tourist flows in both directions. Azerbaijan offers visitors its rich cultural and natural heritage, modern resorts (including ski and Caspian), opportunities for medical tourism and MICE tourism. Morocco is renowned for its historic cities, Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert adventures and high level of service.

Visa-free travel opens doors for mutual promotion of tourism products, direct flights and investment in tourism infrastructure. We are already seeing interest from tour operators (in 2025, more than 40 Moroccan travel companies have included tour packages to Azerbaijan for sale) and expect significant growth in mutual visits in the coming years. This area is not only economically beneficial but also contributes to strengthening cultural and human ties between our peoples.

We also see good opportunities in joint projects in agriculture and food security. Both states are interested in diversifying the economy - that is why we attach great importance to the practical implementation of the agreements reached and new initiatives in the field of tourism.

- Morocco is considered one of the most influential states in Africa and the Arab world. What role can this country play in expanding Azerbaijan’s presence on the African continent?

- Morocco plays and can play an even more significant role as a bridge and guide for Azerbaijan in Africa. The kingdom possesses serious political weight, a developed network of ties in West and North Africa, an active investment policy and strong positions in African integration processes.

Azerbaijan is consistently increasing its presence on the continent: trade turnover with African countries has grown almost fourfold in recent years, and cooperation is expanding in energy, agriculture, logistics and mining. Morocco can facilitate this process through political support, establishing business contacts, sharing experience in implementing infrastructure and social projects, as well as through joint initiatives in third countries.

We view Morocco as a potential partner for deepening Azerbaijan-African ties - both in a bilateral format and through multilateral platforms.

- Azerbaijan is actively developing ties with countries of the Global South. What place does Morocco occupy in this strategy and what new opportunities are opening up for Baku through cooperation with Rabat?

- Morocco occupies an important and well-deserved place in Azerbaijan’s strategy for developing relations with Global South countries. We share a vision of a more just, multipolar world order, the priority of sustainable development, food and energy security, as well as climate justice - issues that Azerbaijan actively promoted during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and at COP29.

Morocco, as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world and Europe, opens additional opportunities for Baku: access to African markets and investment projects, participation in regional initiatives, joint work on climate adaptation and the development of a “green” economy. New opportunities include the implementation of joint projects in third countries, the creation of investment platforms, the exchange of technologies and best practices, as well as the deepening of cultural and educational diplomacy. Cooperation with Rabat makes our policy toward the Global South more effective and multidimensional.

- Today Morocco is one of the leaders in Africa in the field of renewable energy. Are there prospects for joint projects between Azerbaijan and Morocco in the fields of “green” energy, hydrogen technologies and combating climate change?

- The prospects are very good and timely. Morocco is a recognized leader in Africa in renewable energy and one of the most ambitious players in the field of green hydrogen. Azerbaijan is also actively developing renewable energy, setting goals to increase the share of renewables in the energy balance and assessing the potential of green hydrogen (including through SOCAR Green).

We see opportunities for cooperation in several areas: exchange of experience in developing policy and regulatory frameworks, joint research and pilot projects in the field of electrolysis and hydrogen storage, participation of companies in each other’s investment projects, as well as cooperation within international climate initiatives. Both states are interested in decarbonizing the economy, developing clean technologies and contributing to global energy security. Cooperation in this area could become one of the brightest examples of our partnership in the coming years.

- In recent years, Azerbaijan has become an important logistics center between Europe and Asia. How interested is Moroccan business in using the transport capabilities of our country and the Middle Corridor?

- Azerbaijan is indeed turning into a key logistics hub at the junction of Europe and Asia thanks to the development of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). Cargo volumes on this route show steady growth - in some years by 65–89%. We are investing in the modernization of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and digital solutions for logistics.

Moroccan business shows understandable interest in reliable, fast and safe alternative routes for trade with Central Asia, China and, more broadly, the East. The Middle Corridor reduces risks and delivery times compared to traditional routes. Morocco, with its first-class ports, can integrate into these chains through multimodal solutions. Through the organization of business forums and video conferences, we invite Moroccan companies to actively use the corridor’s opportunities, participate in joint logistics projects, and invest in infrastructure and digital platforms. This is a mutually beneficial area that already has a contractual basis and will only strengthen further.

- After the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, has the attitude of Moroccan political and expert circles toward our country changed? What questions about Karabakh are you most often asked today?

- The attitude has become even more respectful and positive. Morocco has always consistently supported the principle of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. After the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and the subsequent peace process, Moroccan partners note the determination of our country to defend its legitimate rights, as well as the scale and speed of reconstruction work.

Today, questions most often concern practical aspects: the progress of the State Program “Great Return,” the reconstruction of the liberated territories (construction of modern “smart” cities and villages, infrastructure), demining, the return of internally displaced persons, the creation of new economic opportunities and the potential for tourism in the region. They are also interested in the process of normalizing relations with Armenia and the role of the international community in supporting post-conflict reconstruction.

We emphasize that the main goal is to ensure sustainable development, security and a decent life for all residents of the region, as well as to transform the former conflict zone into a zone of peace, cooperation and economic growth. Azerbaijan is open to international partnership in these efforts, and Moroccan companies and experts can contribute to this historic work.

- Thank you for the interview!