Rabat — In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN) at the Pakistani Embassy in Rabat, Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani painted a picture of enduring friendship between Morocco and Pakistan, rooted in shared religious values and mutual support that dates back decades.
Historical foundation of friendship
The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has deep historical roots, with Pakistan playing a crucial role during Morocco’s struggle for independence.
In a remarkable gesture of solidarity in 1952, Pakistan granted nationality and a passport to Moroccan activist Ahmed Balafrej when French authorities prevented him from addressing the United Nations about Morocco’s case for independence.
“The French ambassador stopped him that he cannot, he was not allowed to speak. And there and then, Pakistan awarded him the nationality and the Pakistan passport,” Ambassador Gilani recounted.
The very next day, Balafrej was able to address the UN, and he later became Morocco’s Prime Minister after the country gained independence in 1956.
Current diplomatic relations
Today, the relationship between Morocco and Pakistan is characterized by mutual respect and cooperation across multiple fronts.
Ambassador Gilani stressed that both countries maintain “a very friendly relationship based on the United Nations Charter and the international laws and treaties.”
The cooperation extends beyond diplomatic channels to include military collaboration, trade development, and a growing tourism sector. “We are cooperating between the two armies of the nations as well as the trade,” the ambassador noted.
He then pointed out the multifaceted nature of the partnership between the two countries to encompass trade, economy, and culture.
Western Sahara: a complex issue
On the artificial dispute of Western Sahara, the Pakistani ambassador expressed his country’s support for a peaceful resolution within the framework of international law.
Describing the issue as “a lifeline of Morocco,” he indicated that Pakistan believes the Moroccan Autonomy Plan is the most viable path to a potential, UN-led solution to the Sahara issue.
“The Western Sahara issue must be resolved as soon as possible amicably within the purview of the international law,” he said, calling for the need for UN involvement in finding a lasting solution.
Cultural and religious bonds
The shared Islamic faith serves as a cornerstone of Morocco-Pakistan relations, with both countries following Islamic Sharia law as the basis for their legal and social systems.
Gilani commended Morocco’s progressive approach to human rights within an Islamic framework, particularly regarding women’s rights and inheritance laws.
Cultural exchanges are actively promoted, with artists from both countries performing in each other’s nations, while the embassy is working to expand these cultural interactions to strengthen people-to-people connections.
Economic opportunities and investment
Despite describing current economic cooperation as “relatively modest,” the ambassador sees significant potential for growth.
Morocco’s strategic geopolitical location and its free trade agreements with Europe, America, and Africa make it an attractive destination for Pakistani investors.
He said that Pakistan has already established a presence in Morocco with a fertilizer factory operating for the past 15 years.
Pakistani industrialists, the ambassador said, are exploring opportunities to establish factories in the North African country to take advantage of its favorable trade agreements.
Gilani believes that Morocco’s economic prospects appear bright, with major developments including the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal, and the construction of a deep-water port at Dakhla contributing to what he described as a “booming” economy.
Multilateral cooperation and the Gaza catastrophe
Both countries collaborate closely in international forums, particularly within the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On the ongoing inhumane situation in Gaza, Ambassador Gilani stressed the strong joint stance taken by both nations.
“Pakistan, as well as Morocco, we are sending the human aid and food and all necessary equipment directly there,” he said, while calling for stronger international action to address what he termed the “genocide done by Israel.”
The ambassador noted that both countries are working within the OIC to pressure European nations supporting Israel to reconsider their positions and help bring an end to the genocide.
Looking forward
Ambassador Gilani outlined several upcoming initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties, including planned meetings between the foreign offices and defense forces of both countries in September.
The embassy is also working through honorary consuls in Tangier and Casablanca to promote business and tourism exchanges.
As Morocco celebrated the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s reign on July 30th, Ambassador Gilani expressed appreciation for the King’s efforts in developing Morocco’s economy and administration, which he described as “excellent by any standard in the world.”
The interview concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of Morocco-Pakistan relations, built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and growing practical cooperation across multiple sectors.
