Rabat – Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country is ready to strengthen its partnership with Morocco during a brief yet significant visit to Casablanca on Thursday. The short-lived visit highlighted the importance of bilateral ties between the two countries.
Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, accompanied by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and other senior officials, welcomed President Xi at the Casablanca airport. In keeping with Moroccan tradition, Xi was greeted with dates and milk, a symbolic gesture of hospitality reflecting the warm relations between the two countries.
During his meeting with Moulay Hassan, Xi spoke of the mutual respect and support China and Morocco share on issues central to their respective national interests. He recalled King Mohammed VI’s milestone state visit to China in 2016, which he said took Chinese-Moroccan relations to a new level.
China is ready to continue working with Morocco to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, President XI pledged. He added that his country is committed to advancing practical cooperation in various sectors under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Chinese leader also acknowledged Morocco’s stability and national security efforts, pledging China’s support while urging for expanded cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster deeper ties between the citizens of both countries.
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Speaking on behalf of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan crown prince conveyed heartfelt greetings and gratitude to Xi. He lauded the positive trajectory of Morocco-China relations and expressed appreciation for China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, a gesture Moulay El Hassan said was etched in the memory of the Moroccan people.
The Moroccan royal family and government are firmly committed to enhancing bilateral relations and deeply value high-level exchanges and cooperation in various domains, he said, noting the growing popularity of Chinese culture and language in Morocco.
President Xi’s visit, though brief, carries significant weight for Morocco: it reflects the country’s status as a strategic ally of China in Africa and the Arab world. This relationship is critical for Morocco as it seeks to expand its economic, cultural, and diplomatic influence on the global stage.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has opened avenues for joint projects in infrastructure, technology, and trade, strengthening Morocco’s role as a gateway to Africa.
Over the years, China and Morocco have witnessed stronger collaboration in diverse fields. Key sectors include renewable energy, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Chinese investment in Moroccan infrastructure projects, such as high-speed rail and port development, has further solidified their economic partnership.
