Belgian minister highlights Morocco’s strategic role ahead of economic mission

Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken has described Morocco as a crucial African country, underscoring its growing strategic importance for Western partners as Belgium prepares to strengthen economic cooperation with the Kingdom.

Francken made the remarks after Morocco announced that the Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway would be named after US President Donald Trump. In a message published on social media, the Belgian minister said Morocco is becoming increasingly aligned with the West, calling the country an important partner for NATO and expressing enthusiasm for an upcoming Belgian economic mission.

His comments followed a public message from President Donald Trump, who thanked King Mohammed VI for the decision. Trump described the gesture as a great honor and said he hoped to travel the full length of the expressway in the future.

The Donald J. Trump Expressway extends about 1,055 kilometers between Tiznit and Dakhla, connecting Morocco’s northern and southern provinces. Covering around 36% of the country’s Atlantic coastline, the project ranks among Morocco’s largest transport infrastructure investments, with an estimated cost of MAD 9.389 billion.

Francken’s statement also reflects increasing European interest in Morocco’s position as a gateway linking Europe and Africa. The planned Belgian economic mission is expected to focus on expanding commercial and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Morocco and Belgium have steadily strengthened their partnership in recent years through cooperation in diplomacy, trade, security, migration, judicial reform, and investment.

Belgium has also reinforced its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue. During an official visit to Rabat in March 2026, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot reaffirmed Belgium’s support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, describing it as the most adequate, serious, credible, and realistic basis for achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.

That position builds on a joint declaration signed in Brussels in October 2025, under which Belgium committed to aligning both its diplomatic and economic engagement with its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative. The latest statements from Belgian officials further illustrate the growing political and economic convergence between Rabat and Brussels.