Rabat, August 28, Chouaib Brhadda, AZERTAC

The decision to exempt Moroccan citizens from applying for a visa to enter the Republic of Azerbaijan has sparked several positive reactions within the society of the Kingdom of Morocco.

During his interview with a group of Moroccan media professionals, AZERTAC news agency reported that Mr. Driss Lyakoubi, regional press correspondent for the French-language newspaper Al-Sabah, said that this decision will have a very positive impact, as it will allow citizens of both countries to discover the historical, cultural and natural resources that abound there. This exemption will also give a good start to economic and social relations between two countries that share obvious common points, especially in terms of religious identity, characterized by coexistence and openness to different cultures, in addition to the policy of the two countries based on the values of peace, mutual cooperation and defense of the territorial integrity of the countries.

For her part, Ms. Khadija Korchi, Secretary General of the Moroccan Association of Publishers and Media Professionals, said that it was pleasant that Moroccan citizens were exempted from visas to enter Azerbaijan. This will open up to a new tourist destination thanks to the richness, diversity and history of this region. It will encourage the discovery of Azerbaijan, will be attentive to its heritage and the traditions of its people, and appreciate its picturesque nature, especially since Moroccans are always eager to discover it, discovery, travel and adventure, towards new landmarks.

For his part, Mr. Hassan Elyousfi Lemrhari, a media consultant and expert in the field of journalistic training, indicated that there are indeed several positive aspects to the decision to cancel the entry visa to Azerbaijan for Moroccans, as they can be summarized in three or four main points, the first of which is to facilitate the process of travel and transportation to a Eurasian country located in the Caucasus region, which means that Moroccans will be able to visit a country that separates Eastern and Western Europe. In Asia, the cancellation of the visa therefore makes it easier for Moroccans to travel to this region without having to go through complicated procedures to obtain a visa, which will encourage more exchanges and visits between the two countries.

This step, Mr. Al-Yousfi added, will contribute to strengthening tourism and the economy, as this decision may lead to an increase in the number of Moroccan tourists visiting Azerbaijan, which will contribute to revitalizing the tourism and economic sectors in the host country, and will also contribute to strengthening communication and acquaintance between the Moroccan and Azerbaijani Muslim peoples, which will help in understanding the cultures of both countries and getting to know their characteristics and traditions.

It is certain that the cancellation of the visa will contribute to establishing relations in many areas of common interest at various levels, but in return, it is necessary to draw attention to the problem of travel tickets, which may be expensive, in addition to the cost of accommodation, especially if the duration of the flight is far between the outbound and return trips.

Mr. Mohamed Siraj Al-Daou, a specialist in the field of audiovisual media, considered the agreement between the governments of the two countries as a good decision, as it will pave the way for Moroccans and Azerbaijani citizens to mutually know the potential of their countries and to connect the bonds of friendship between the two peoples who are united by a single religion and have many common points. Therefore, I see that the future of tourism for Moroccans will be Azerbaijan, as happened with Türkiye, instead of Azerbaijan. European countries, led by France, which have lost many of their fingerprints and historical identity.