Statement attributable to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP:

Today I announce the Government’s intention to open an Australian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, with the agreement from the Moroccan Government, as part of our commitment to expanding Australia’s diplomatic network.

An embassy in Morocco is an important addition to Australia’s diplomatic network in Africa, a region of considerable commercial interest to Australia.

    The two countries enjoy strong people-to-people links, with many thousands of Australians visiting Morocco each year

Morocco is a rapidly industrialising economy and there is significant opportunity to expand Australia’s trade and investment links, including in food and agriculture, infrastructure planning and sustainable development, mining, oil and gas, and health.

The new Embassy will also facilitate enhanced collaboration on counter-terrorism and other security issues. Australia values Morocco’s significant role in international efforts to fight international terrorism and extremism.

The two countries enjoy strong people-to-people links, with many thousands of Australians visiting Morocco each year.

The Australian Government hopes to open the Embassy in the 2017/2018 financial year contingent upon identifying a suitable location and office fit-out.