Morocco is also a top destination for Canadians, given that 130,000 nationals of this country visited Morocco in 2019, added Bourita during a press briefing after his talks with Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

Bourita stressed that the direct air route between Casablanca and Montreal is an asset, both in human, economic and cultural terms.

"But the potential of our bilateral relations is not yet optimized," said the Moroccan minister, adding that in accordance with the will of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco wants to establish a multidimensional strategic partnership with Canada.

This partnership includes regular political dialogue, consultations on bilateral and regional issues and coordination within regional and international forums, he said, noting that, at the economic level, the positive developments of trade should be bolstered and the Canadian investments in Morocco should be promoted.

Bourita said that Morocco appreciates the role of Canada, which has always been "a credible voice" at the international level, adding that the Kingdom is convinced that this country has its full status inside the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member.

Being at the crossroads of several worlds, linguistically, geographically and geo-politically, Canada, on the back of its positions, networks and values, will enrich the deliberations within this body and strengthen its action, underlined Bourita.

The two countries are also coordinating their actions at the multilateral level, he said, noting that as co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Morocco and Canada will strive so that this international platform fully plays its role by concluding partnerships with regional and international organizations, by creating a consensus on issues related to the fight against terrorism and by adapting the effort of the international community to the evolution of the phenomenon. 

Bourita recalled that Morocco, like Canada, belongs to the category of "Afro-optimists", believing that despite the difficulties, the African continent has several assets and represents the future of the international community.

Morocco has developed an African policy based on solidarity, as well as on a unique offer of trade, stability and security and can play the role of a platform of access for Canada to the African continent, he concluded.