Japan, Morocco agree to deepen economic security cooperation

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (L) and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita hold a video conference in Tokyo on May 8, 2026. (Kyodo) TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and Morocco agreed Friday to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of areas, including economic security, during a video conference between their foreign ministers. In a joint statement after their talks, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita emphasized "the importance of strengthening supply-chain resilience." Morocco is known as a resource-rich country with the world's largest reserves of phosphate, a critical resource for semiconductors and fertilizers. Japan has been seeking to build resilient supply chains for key materials. The ministers welcomed commitments by Japanese and Moroccan entities regarding the supply of phosphate fertilizers to Japan through "a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship." According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Japanese companies, particularly auto parts manufacturers, have expanded operations in Morocco in recent years. The ministers also recognized Morocco's growing automotive and aerospace industries, describing the country as a leading industrial hub in Africa, expressing hope that more Japanese firms will invest in those sectors in Morocco, according to the joint statement. The Japan Business Federation, the country's largest business lobby known as Keidanren, has called for the signing of an economic partnership agreement between the two nations. During the talks, Motegi and Bourita also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, the ministry said. Japan and Morocco marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.