Arab News, Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 | Jamadi Al Awwal 2, 1444
Saudi Arabia, Morocco sign deal to enhance cooperation in tourism
Emirates :
Saudi Arabia and Morocco signed a memorandum of
understanding on Friday to encourage and develop cooperation in tourism, and
coordinate efforts to achieve the sustainable development of the industry in
both countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The memorandum was signed in the presence of Saudi
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and Fatima-Zahra Ammor, the Moroccan
minister of tourism, handicrafts, and social and solidarity economy, on the
sidelines of the 117th session of the executive council meeting of the UN World
Tourism Organization.
Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia and Morocco enjoy a
common commitment to protecting the rich heritage sites and natural marine,
mountainous and desert areas in both countries, in addition to their keenness to
give priority to youth in their development plans.
“The issue of sustainability occupies an important
place in Saudi tourism ambitions, so cooperation with partners who have a
similar vision, like Morocco, helps to strengthen the sector in our region and
the world as a whole, and contributes to consolidating the sustainability,
flexibility, and inclusiveness of the tourism sector for the benefit of people
and societies.”
The Moroccan tourism minister said: “The
memorandum reflects the strong relations between the two countries and the
common vision toward strengthening partnership and raising prospects for
cooperation in the tourism sector.
“It will lead to more joint initiatives and the
exchange of experiences and best practices, allowing the two countries to
develop their capabilities in tourism.”
The agreement will also help to support an
increase in training and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and provide new
openings for investment.
Saudi Arabia is currently one of Morocco’s largest
trading partners in the Arab world. In 2020 the Kingdom invested $26.6 million
in its real estate, tourism, and agricultural sectors.