TOKYO: The Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the throne of his glorious ancestors. Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal highlighted his country's many achievements during the reign of its monarch and the Kingdom's close ties with Japan.
The ceremony 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 senior officials and business leaders.
“As we mark the 68th anniversary 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 shared commitment to further strengthening our historic relations, which are based on the deep friendship between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family.”
“The Memorandum of Enhanced Partnership signed during this visit by the Moroccan Foreign Minister will consolidate our future cooperation in a wide range of areas. In this document, both parties 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 with Japan's decision to send a METI representative to the Japanese Embassy in Rabat. He stated that this would strengthen economic relations between the two countries, pointing out that the number of Japanese companies operating in Morocco has more than doubled in the last five years.
“Morocco has become Africa's leading automobile manufacturer, with significant support from Japanese companies,” added Ambassador Bouhlal. “This has made Morocco the tenth largest automobile manufacturer 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 over 20,000 people in the aerospace industry, where it works with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry and produces 70 percent of its own needs.
“My country today generates over 38 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and has set a target of reaching 52 percent by 2030,” the ambassador said, adding that a major contract had been signed with the United Kingdom for a project to supply the United Kingdom with solar-generated electricity via a 4,000-kilometer-long submarine cable.
He also pointed out that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic port of Dakhla, which is scheduled to open in 2029, will become a major 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,” continued Ambassador Bouhlal. “That is why Morocco, a major global producer and exporter of fertilizers, has set up fertilizer production 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, aims to ensure free access to the Atlantic Ocean for the Sahel countries, thereby 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 Olympic Games.
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 convey, 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 built excellent relations through exchanges at various levels in the public and 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 Enhanced Partnership and the 5th Japan-Arab Business 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. Currently, more than 70 Japanese companies are 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 all economic actors present here share the attractiveness of Morocco.”
“I would like to wish Ambassador Bouhlal, all members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan and all the guests of honour present here today good health and happiness.”
