Morocco, China vow stronger ties as Xi visits

Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Morocco during his visit to the North African nation on Thursday. Xi met with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan in Casablanca, marking a significant diplomatic moment after completing his state visit to Brazil. The visit underscores the ongoing development of ties between the two countries, particularly in support of mutual interests and practical cooperation.

Xi expressed China’s readiness to continue collaborating with Morocco on issues central to both nations, emphasizing their support for each other’s core interests. He highlighted that their partnership is evolving rapidly, with numerous successful initiatives and robust exchanges across various sectors. He also reiterated China’s determination to work with Morocco to enhance their bilateral relations, especially in light of their shared goals in the global political and economic arenas.

Upon arriving in Casablanca, Xi was greeted by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who represented King Mohammed VI. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was also present at the airport to welcome the Chinese leader, and a formal ceremony followed shortly after. During the meeting, Xi conveyed his best wishes to King Mohammed VI through Crown Prince Hassan, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to strengthen their nations’ relations.

Xi took a moment to reflect on the milestones reached in China-Morocco ties. In particular, he referenced the successful state visit to China by King Mohammed VI in 2016, which led to productive discussions that propelled the relationship between the two countries to new heights. Since then, there have been notable developments in trade, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure collaboration.

One of the significant areas of cooperation between the two nations has been the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to improve global trade and economic connectivity. Xi expressed China’s eagerness to implement the agreements reached during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. He stressed that practical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and development projects will remain a priority for both countries, particularly under the framework of the BRI.

The cooperation between China and Morocco also includes collaboration in areas such as health, technology, and education, which are seen as essential for fostering deeper long-term ties. As a leading global economy, China views its partnership with Morocco as an important component of its broader strategy to engage with Africa and the Arab world. Morocco, for its part, is keen to maintain its relations with China, which it sees as a critical ally in achieving its development goals and strengthening its position on the international stage.

Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, in his remarks, conveyed King Mohammed VI’s warm greetings and welcomed Xi’s visit. He acknowledged the continued growth of their bilateral relations, noting that the relationship between China and Morocco has maintained a positive trajectory. The Crown Prince highlighted the many areas in which their cooperation has flourished, and he expressed Morocco’s readiness to further develop these partnerships.

This visit by President Xi comes at a time when Morocco is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in both regional and global affairs. By strengthening its ties with China, Morocco is diversifying its partnerships and enhancing its influence, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. China, for its part, continues to expand its presence in Africa and seeks to foster stronger ties with the continent through initiatives like the BRI and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

In conclusion, Xi’s visit to Morocco represents a significant step forward in the long-standing relationship between the two nations. With the support of both leaders, the strategic partnership between China and Morocco is set to deepen further, fostering greater cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. Both countries have committed to working together to address shared challenges and capitalize on opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.

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