TOKYO: The Embassy of Morocco in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of His Majesty 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 Minister of Digital Technology KONA Taro, SAITA Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken and Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hosaka Yasushi, as well as other senior 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 Bukhlal.
“The recent visit to Japan by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, Nasser Burita, and his fruitful meeting with (Minister of Foreign Affairs) Yoko KAMIKAWA demonstrated our common commitment to further strengthening our historic relations, based on the deep friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family.” .
“The memorandum of cooperation to expand the partnership, signed during this visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, 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 respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Ambassador Bouhlal also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction for Japan's decision to send a METI representative to the Japanese Embassy in Rabat, saying it will improve economic ties between the two countries and noting that the number of Japanese companies operating in Morocco has more than doubled in the past five years.
“Morocco has become the leading car manufacturer in Africa with significant support from Japanese companies,” added Ambassador Bouhlal. “As a result, Morocco is now the 10th largest car producer in the world, with export sales reaching $14 billion last year.”
Morocco has already produced the first hydrogen-fueled car in Africa and the Arab world, and the aerospace industry currently employs more than 20,000 people working with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry, which supplies 70 percent of 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 deal had been signed with Britain for a project that would provide Britain with electricity. electricity produced by solar panels via a 4,000 km submarine cable.
He also noted that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic port of Dakhla, which will be commissioned in 2029, will become an important maritime center 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 problem of food security in Africa, which Japan understands very well, is one of our country's top priorities,” Ambassador Bukhlal continued. “Thus, Morocco, a major global fertilizer producer and exporter, has established fertilizer plants in Ethiopia and Nigeria.”
“Morocco's various initiatives across Africa reflect an unwavering vision of South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative launched by His Majesty is aimed at ensuring 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 2030 FIFA World Cup and congratulated Japan on its achievements at the Paris Olympics.
In response, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Parliament, Khosaka, congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI on their success.
“On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I am pleased to convey 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 important partner of Japan in the Middle East and African region since independence in 1956. I am very happy that our two countries have developed excellent relations through exchanges at various levels, both public and private. sectors based on the traditional friendship between the Imperial and Royal Families.”
Hosaka recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation to expand the partnership, as well as the 5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum held in Tokyo this month, which strengthened Japan's relationship with Morocco and the Arab world.
“We will continue to vigorously promote bilateral cooperation in a wide variety 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 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 businessman present here today will share the attraction of Morocco.”
“I would like to wish good health and happiness to Ambassador Bouhlal, to all members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan and to all the distinguished guests present here today.”
