Morocco Expands Maritime Borders with New Laws Passed by Parliament

The first is draft law No. 37.17 amending and supplementing the Dahir having the force of law No. 1.73.211 of 26 Moharrem 1393 (March 2, 1973) fixing the limit of territorial waters. The second is draft law No. 38.17 amending and supplementing law No. 1.81 establishing an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles off the Moroccan coasts.

Appearing before the councilors of the second chamber, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, stressed the particular importance of these two texts, adopted in the context marked by the updating of the national legal arsenal relating to the maritime spaces of the kingdom.

"This is a strategic and sovereign choice first and foremost, based on Morocco’s legitimate rights, and resting on relevant legal bases, in accordance with the diplomacy of clarity and ambition desired by King Mohammed VI," Nasser Bourita said. This ambition, the sovereign expressed it in his speech, delivered on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Green March.

According to him, the delimitation of maritime borders could lead to overlaps with neighboring countries, particularly Spain, which should be resolved through dialogue.