Embassy of Morocco in Tokyo celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Throne Day of King Mohammed VI
TOKYO: The Embassy of Morocco in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ascension of HM King Mohammed VI to the throne of His glorious ancestors, with Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal highlighting his country's many achievements during the reign of its monarch and the close ties of Kingdom with Japan.
The celebration was attended by Digital Minister KONO Taro, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry SAITO Ken and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs HOSAKA Yasushi, as well as other high-ranking officials and business leaders.
“As we celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, our bilateral relations are stronger than ever,” said Ambassador Bouhlal.
“The recent visit to Japan by the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and his productive meeting with (Foreign Minister) Yoko KAMIKAWA, demonstrated our shared commitment to further strengthen our historic relations, which are based on the deep friendship between the Empire Imperial. The family and the royal family.”
“The memorandum of cooperation for a strengthened partnership signed during this visit by the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs will strengthen our future collaboration in a wide range of fields. In this document, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international peace and order based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with Japan's decision to send a METI representative to the Japanese Embassy in Rabat, stating that it will strengthen the economic ties between the two countries and showing that in the past five years, the number of companies Japanese companies operating in Morocco has doubled.
“Morocco has become the leading car manufacturer in Africa, significantly supported by Japanese companies,” Ambassador Bouhlal added. “As a result, Morocco is now the 10th largest automobile producer globally, with export sales reaching $14 billion last year.”
Morocco has already produced the first hydrogen-powered car in Africa and the Arab world, and currently employs more than 20,000 people in its aerospace industry, working with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry and produces 70 percent of its domestic needs.
“My country today generates more than 38 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, with the goal of reaching 52 percent by 2030,” the ambassador said, adding that a major agreement had been reached with the United Kingdom for a project that will provide the U.K. with electricity produced by the sun through a 4,000 km underwater cable.
He also mentioned that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, and the Dakhla Atlantic port, which will be commissioned in 2029, will become an important 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 African countries and Europe.
“The issue of food security in Africa, which Japan understands very well, is one of our country's top priorities,” Ambassador Bouhlal continued. “As such, Morocco, a major global fertilizer producer and exporter, has established fertilizer production facilities in Ethiopia and Nigeria.”
“Morocco's various initiatives in Africa reflect a firm vision of South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty, aims to ensure free access to the Atlantic Ocean for the countries of the Sahel, promoting economic integration, stability, peace, prosperity and human development. These are some of our achievements that I wanted to share with you.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also reminded the audience that Morocco will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 and congratulated Japan on its achievements at the Paris Olympics.
In response, Parliamentary Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Hosaka congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI on their successes.
“On this auspicious occasion of the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations on behalf of the Government of Japan, His Majesty, the Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco. .”
“Morocco has been a long-standing friend and an important partner for Japan in the Middle East and Africa region since its independence in 1956. I am very pleased that our two countries have developed excellent relations through exchanges at various levels, both in public as well as private. sectors, based on the traditional friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family.”
Hosaka recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Enhanced Partnership as well as the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum held in Tokyo this month, which strengthened Japan's relations with Morocco and the Arab world.
“We will continue to vigorously promote bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields through high-level mutual exchanges,” Hosaka added. “In recent years, economic relations between the two countries have become increasingly close. There are currently over 70 Japanese companies operating in Morocco.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to make every effort to improve the business and investment environment in Morocco, including the establishment of the Bilateral Committee to Improve the Business Environment. I hope that every business participant today will share in the appeal of Morocco.”
“I would like to wish health and happiness to Ambassador Bouhlal, all members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan and all the distinguished guests today.”
