🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco and Portugal discuss agricultural challenges at SIAM 2026
via Le Matin1 min read
During the 18th International Agricultural Show in Morocco SIAM, held from April 20 to 28, 2026, in Meknes under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, and his Portuguese counterpart, José Manuel Fernandes, highlighted the positive dynamic of cooperation between Morocco and Portugal. They emphasized partnership opportunities, as well as shared challenges and issues related to sustainable agriculture, resource management, and food security.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
The Mohammed VI Tower, standing at 250 meters, has become a new landmark in Rabat, Morocco. Inaugurated on April 13, 2026, by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the tower recently opened its doors to the media, offering an in-depth look at this significant architectural, urban, and economic development.
The relationship between Morocco and Brazil is built on strong political trust, economic complementarity, and a shared vision for South-South cooperation, according to Brazilian Ambassador Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola. High-level visits in 2024 have structured bilateral dialogue, leading to record economic exchanges. In December 2023, Brazilian parliamentarians advocated for a stronger strategic partnership, satisfied with the "remarkable" evolution of political and economic relations. This initiative led to the establishment of the Brazil-Morocco parliamentary group in the Federal Senate in 2023, focusing on strategic sectors like food security, fertilizers, renewable energy, and scientific research. Key cooperation areas include agriculture, fertilizers, agro-industry, and food trade, with growing interest in aeronautics, infrastructure, and logistics. Promising prospects lie in agricultural innovation, energy, and value chain integration, with Tanger Med enhancing logistical connectivity. Brazil recognizes Morocco's growing role as a strategic platform in Africa, offering opportunities for triangular cooperation where Morocco can be a gateway for Brazilian companies into Africa, and Brazil can facilitate access to South America. The Brazilian Senate adopted a motion in June 2023 supporting Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara. Brazil remains committed to a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution within the UN framework, noting recent developments
A regional workshop in Casablanca, organized by Morocco's Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, addressed the limitations of the current development model, which has historically concentrated investments and opportunities in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The workshop, attended by ministerial representatives, private sector leaders, and international experts, aimed to establish a common reference framework for regional and local actors, based on relevant indicators and a shared vision of territorial dynamics. Ahmed El Hamidi, Secretary General for Regional Affairs at the Wilaya of Casablanca-Settat, emphasized the need for proactive, integrated, and participatory strategies involving the state, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society. Latifa Nehnahi, Director of the National Territorial Planning Department, highlighted a paradigm shift, stating that each territory should develop according to its unique potential and specificities, moving away from centralized planning focused on poles of excellence. She stressed that territorial attractiveness now includes improving quality of life, ensuring citizens can remain in their regions and live with dignity, alongside productive and temporary attractiveness. An unprecedented study, presented at the workshop, identified eight territorial profiles, including rural areas facing vulnerability and urban centers under pressure or saturated. Mohamed Aabid, Regional Inspector of Ur
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