At a joint press conference following the meeting, Mr. Bourita said that Morocco and Brunei Darussalam aim to add a new dimension to their bilateral relations thanks to the leadership of the two countries' rulers.

"HM King Mohammed VI and HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah enjoy very close relations. This relationship is an essential element in the development and strengthening of relations between the two countries," stressed Mr. Bourita.

The ties between Brunei Darussalam and Morocco, since the establishment of relations 35 years ago, are based on "solidarity and attachment to the same values, especially religion," he said, adding that the two countries share the same vision of an open Islam and are linked by their membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Cooperation between Morocco and Brunei Darussalam includes food security, tourism, investment and academic exchanges, including 10 scholarships to be awarded by Morocco to Brunei Darussalam students starting next year, Mr. Bourita said.

Mr. Bourita also welcomed Brunei Darussalam's support for Morocco's partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "Brunei Darussalam has always strongly supported the strengthening of Morocco's relations with ASEAN," he added.

Turning to regional issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, Mr. Bourita affirmed that the two countries share the same approach and vision, adding that Morocco, through HM King Mohammed VI's chairmanship of the Al-Quds Committee, has a responsibility on this issue and a role to play in protecting "the religious and Arab identity of this city."

The Minister also hailed the lasting and positive stance of Brunei, a friendly country which has always shown its support for the Kingdom.

For his part, Mr. Yusof said that Brunei Darussalam supports the Kingdom of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.

Brunei Darussalam commends the Kingdom of Morocco's efforts to achieve a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Moroccan Sahara issue, He added.

Mr. Yusof, on behalf of Brunei Darussalam, welcomed Morocco's interest in becoming an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and its continued commitment to the Association, particularly through diplomatic internships offered to diplomats from Brunei Darussalam and other ASEAN countries.

He added that Morocco and Brunei Darussalam share the same position on the resolution of the Palestinian issue.

Mr. Yusof also noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Brunei Darussalam, the two countries have continued to develop ‘’warm and fraternal relations," adding that despite the geographical distance, "active exchanges between the two sovereigns, governments and students have brought our peoples closer together."

"We have mutually benefited from exchanges in the fields of education and Islamic affairs, which have fostered greater friendship and understanding between Morocco and Brunei Darussalam," he said.

Morocco and Brunei Darussalam are strategically positioned in Africa and Southeast Asia, and can capitalize on this advantage to strengthen "the development of economic activities," said the Minister.

The working visit to Morocco by the Second Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam is the first of its kind by an official from this country. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation and consultation was signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Morocco and Brunei Darussalam.