TOKYO: The Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of HM King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne of His Glorious Ancestors, with Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal highlighting his country's many achievements during his monarch's reign and the Kingdom's close ties with Japan.
The celebration was attended by Digital Minister KONO Taro, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, SAITO Ken, and Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, HOSAKA Yasushi, as well as other top officials and business leaders.
“As we celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, our bilateral ties are stronger than ever,” said Ambassador Bouhlal.
“Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's recent visit to Japan and his productive meeting with (Foreign Minister) Yoko KAMIKAWA, demonstrated our shared commitment to further strengthen our historical relations, which are founded in the deep friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family.”
“The Memorandum of Cooperation for an expanded partnership signed during this visit by the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs will strengthen our future cooperation in a wide range of fields. In this document, both parties confirmed their commitment to peace and the international order based on the principles of the UN the Charter, as well as respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction over Japan's decision to send a METI representative to the Embassy of Japan in Rabat, noting that it would strengthen economic ties between the two countries, noting that in the past five years, the number of Japanese companies operating in Morocco has more than doubled.
“Morocco has emerged as Africa's leading car manufacturer, significantly supported by Japanese companies,” Ambassador Bouhlal added. “As a result, Morocco is now the 10th largest car manufacturer globally, with export sales last year totaling $14 billion.”
Morocco has already produced Africa's and the Arab world's first hydrogen-powered car and currently employs over 20,000 people in its aerospace industry, working with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry, producing 70 percent of its domestic needs.
“My country today generates over 38 percent of its electricity from renewable sources with a target to reach 52 percent by 2030,” the ambassador said, adding that a major deal has been concluded with the United Kingdom for a project that will provide Britain with solar-generated electricity through a 4,000 km long underwater cable.
He also noted that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, and the Dakhla Atlantic Port, due to 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, as Japan understands very well, is one of the highest priorities of our country,” 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 an unwavering vision of South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty, aims to ensure free access to the Atlantic for the countries of the Sahel, promote economic integration, stability, peace, prosperity and human development. It here are some of our accomplishments that I wanted to share with you.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also reminded the audience that Morocco will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and he congratulated Japan on its achievements at the Paris Olympic Games.
In response, Parliamentary Deputy Foreign Minister Hosaka congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI on their success.
“On this auspicious occasion of the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I am pleased to extend, on behalf of the Government of Japan, my sincere congratulations to His Majesty, 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 since its independence in 1956. I am very pleased that our two countries have developed excellent relations through exchanges at various levels in both the public and private sectors, based on the traditional the friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family.”
Hosaka recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for Enhanced Partnership, as well as the fifth Japan-Arab Economic Forum, held in Tokyo this month, which have 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. Currently, there are more than 70 Japanese companies operating in Morocco.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to do everything to improve the business and investment environment in Morocco, including the establishment of the Bilateral Committee for the Improvement of the Business Environment. I hope that every business participant here today will share Morocco's attractiveness.”
“I would like to wish good health and happiness to Ambassador Bouhlal, all the members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan and all the distinguished guests here today.”
