TOKYO: The Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of the accession of HM King Mohammed VI. to the throne of His illustrious ancestors, with Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal highlighting his country's many achievements under his sovereign and the Kingdom's close ties with Japan.
The celebration was attended by Minister of Digital Technology KONO Taro, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry SAITO Ken and Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs HOSAKA Yasushi and other top officials and business leaders.
“As we mark the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, our bilateral ties are stronger than ever,” said Ambassador Bouhlal.
“The recent visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Japan and his productive meeting with (Foreign Minister) Yoko KAMIKAWA demonstrated our common determination to further strengthen our historic relations, which are based on deep imperial friendship. Family and royalty.”
“The Memorandum of Cooperation for Enhanced Partnership signed during this visit by the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs will strengthen our future cooperation in a wide range of areas. In this document, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and international order based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as to 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, saying that this will strengthen economic ties between the two countries, pointing out that over the past five years, the number of Japanese companies operating in Morocco has increased by more than doubled.
“Morocco has become Africa's leading car manufacturer, significantly supported by Japanese companies,” Ambassador Bouhlal added. “As a result, Morocco is now the 10th largest car producer in the world, with export sales of $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.
“Today, my country produces 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 supply the United Kingdom with solar electricity via 4,000 km long underwater cable.
He also noted that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic port of Dakhla, 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 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, the world's major fertilizer producer and exporter, has established fertilizer plants in Ethiopia and Nigeria.”
“Morocco's various initiatives across Africa reflect an ongoing vision of South-South cooperation. The goal of the Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty, is to ensure the countries of the Sahel have free access to the Atlantic Ocean, promote economic integration, stability, peace, prosperity and human development. These are some of our successes that I 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.
In response, Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hosaka congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI. to 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 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 African region since its independence in 1956. I am very happy that our two countries have developed excellent relations through exchanges at various levels in the public and private sectors. sectors, based on the traditional 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 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, the economic relations between the two countries have been getting closer and closer. There are currently more than 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 a Bilateral Committee to Improve the Business Environment. I hope that every business participant here today will share the attraction of Morocco.”
“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 who are here today.”
