TOKYO: The Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne, with Ambassador Rashad Bouhlal highlighting the country's many achievements during the monarch's reign and the kingdom's close ties with Japan.
The celebration was attended by Digital Minister Taro Kono, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Saito Ken, and Vice Foreign Minister Hosaka Yasushi, as well as other senior officials and business leaders.
“On the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, our bilateral relations are stronger than ever,” Ambassador Bullal said.
The recent visit to Japan by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the productive meeting with (Foreign Minister) Yoko Kamikawa demonstrate our shared commitment to further strengthening our historic ties, founded on the deep friendship between the Imperial and British Crowns.
“The Memorandum of Cooperation to Strengthen the Partnership signed during the visit of the Moroccan Foreign Minister will help strengthen our future cooperation in various fields. In this document, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and international order in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity,”
Ambassador Bouhlal also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with Japan's decision to send a representative from the METI Ministry to the Japanese Embassy in Rabat, stating that such action would help strengthen economic relations between the two countries, pointing out that over the past five years, the number of Japanese companies operating in Morocco has more than doubled.
“Morocco has emerged as Africa’s leading automotive producer, supported by strong support from Japanese companies,” Ambassador Bouhlal added. “As a result, Morocco has become the world’s 10th largest automotive producer, with export sales last year of $14 billion.”
Morocco has already produced Africa's and the Arab world's first hydrogen-powered car and now employs more than 20,000 people in the aerospace industry, working with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry and produces 70 percent of domestic consumer goods.
“My country currently generates more than 38 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, with a target to increase this to 52 percent by 2030,” the ambassador said, adding that a major agreement had been signed with the UK for a project to supply solar-powered electricity to the UK via a 4,000-km submarine cable.
He also said that Morocco has the largest ports in Africa and the Mediterranean, and the Dakhla Atlantic port, which is set to become operational in 2029, will become a major maritime hub on the Atlantic coast with a capacity of 35 million tons per year. In addition, the Morocco-Nigeria pipeline project will supply gas from Nigeria to 13 countries in Africa and Europe.
“The issue of food security in Africa, which Japan understands well, is a top priority for our country,” Ambassador Bouhlal continued. “That’s why Morocco, a major global fertilizer producer and exporter, has set up fertilizer plants in Ethiopia and Nigeria.”
“Morocco’s initiatives in Africa reflect a strong vision of South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty, aims to ensure unfettered access to the Atlantic Ocean for the Sahel countries, promoting economic integration, security, peace, prosperity and human development. These are just some of our achievements that we would like to share with you.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also reminded the audience that Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and congratulated Japan on its success at the Paris Olympics.
On the other hand, Deputy Foreign Minister Hosaka of the Parliament congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI on their achievements.
“On this auspicious occasion, marking the 25th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I am delighted to express my sincere congratulations on behalf of the Government of Japan to His Majesty the King, the Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco.”
“Morocco has been a long-standing friend and important partner of Japan in the Middle East and Africa region since it gained independence in 1957. I am very pleased that our two countries have developed excellent relations through various exchanges in both the public and private sectors, based on the traditional friendship between the Imperial and British royal families.”
Hosaka spoke about the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a better partnership, as well as the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum held in Tokyo this month, which helped strengthen ties between Japan and Morocco and the Arab world.
“We will continue to promote strong bilateral cooperation in various fields through high-level exchanges,” Hosaka added. “In recent years, economic relations between the two countries have become closer. Currently, there are more than 70 Japanese companies operating in Morocco.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make every effort to improve the business and investment environment in Morocco, including the establishment of a committee to improve the bilateral business environment. I hope that all business participants who are here today will share the attractiveness of Morocco,”
“I would like to wish Ambassador Bouhlal, members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan, and all the distinguished guests who came to congratulate us, good health and happiness,”
