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Marrakech – During a visit to Marrakech, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Morocco, Alex Pinfield, reflected on the cultural, social, and strategic ties shaping relations between the two countries.
Speaking with Morocco World News (MWN) inside a traditional tea house, he noted how even the setting captured the essence of shared British-Moroccan heritage.
“As you can see, we’re in this beautiful tea house here in Marrakech where there’s such a rich Moroccan culture that is so evident,” he said. “We both love tea, we both have tea as part of our rich culture.”
Pinfield pointed to small but telling connections. Walking through the museum, he observed teapots and brewing implements “actually made in the UK,” describing them as part of a historic exchange that continues to resonate.
The symbolism of tea reflects deeper values, he argued, noting: “It’s about welcoming your guests, it’s about family, it’s about bringing people together.”
A relationship rooted in people
The ambassador explained that the growing relationship between the UK and Morocco extends far beyond diplomatic channels. “We have a very positive dynamic between our governments, but also between our peoples,” he said.
“There are thousands, probably hundreds of thousands of British people who come and visit here every year.”
This, he added, is a key reason behind his extensive travel across Morocco since his appointment. “There’s great potential for the UK-Morocco partnership,” he stressed, citing recent visits to Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and other regions.
These visits aimed to strengthen connections with businesses, institutions, and local leadership, he explained.
Climate action and green energy
Pinfield highlighted climate cooperation as a central pillar of future collaboration between London and Rabat. “Climate change is an area where the UK and Morocco really can work closely together,” he said, referencing the recent COP meeting in Brazil.
He commended Morocco’s regional leadership in the fight to address climate-related challenges. “We have to take urgent action and I think in the UK we really recognise the leadership role that Morocco has been playing,” he said, adding that “Morocco is a leader in green energy, for example.”
The ambassador also stressed that the two countries have invested heavily in renewable energy, creating significant room for joint projects.
Disaster preparedness and education
He recalled the UK Foreign Minister’s June visit to Morocco, during which the two countries signed an agreement aimed at deeper cooperation on disaster risk management and early warning systems. “There’s great scope to do more on that,” he elaborated.
Education remains another priority. As he travels across Morocco, Pinfield said he constantly meets young people “who have learned English and want to have that experience of maybe an English education.”
He pointed to the growing number of British schools and universities opening campuses in Morocco, from Rabat and Casablanca to Tangier and Marrakech, and the British Council’s expanding programmes.
“We’ve got programmes… to work with Moroccan teachers of English to help expand the ability and the capacity for English language teaching,” he added.
Inclusion and social initiatives
Pinfield’s visit to Marrackech also included a stop at the city’s Malaika Centre, which supports disadvantaged children with Down syndrome.
“It’s my very great honour to be able to visit the Malaika Centre, which is just doing absolutely fantastic work,” he said, noting its recent partnership with the British charity Education for All.
He spoke of the challenges facing people with disabilities, saying: “People who have disabilities find it more difficult to find employment, more at risk of being excluded from different aspects of society… so I think it’s especially inspiring that there is this centre here.”
Water security and shared expertise
The ambassador’s visit coincided with Marrakech hosting the World Water Congress.
For him, this signalled the city’s growing global role. “It just goes to show what a truly international city Marrakech is,” he said, praising Morocco’s efforts to confront years of drought.
He cited discussions with Morocco’s Minister of Water on new infrastructure plans and noted that the UK is undertaking similar work.
“We recently announced our own water strategy. So I really feel that again this is an area where we can share experiences and share expertise.”
The UK, he added, used the congress to host a seminar bringing together experts and officials “to talk about what we can do in a real way to make a difference in people’s lives.”
What’s next?
Reflecting on the long history between the two countries, Pinfield described the relationship as “modern and dynamic.”
Three months into his posting in Rabat, he said he sees “a real sense of dynamism, of energy” in Morocco and believes both sides can “do even more.”
He cited trade, investment, education, green energy, infrastructure, including sports infrastructure, and security as areas where cooperation can deepen. “Morocco is a strategic partner for us,” he said.
The ambassador also pointed to the importance of tourism as a bridge between the two peoples.
“A million British people come and visit Morocco every year because of the beautiful countryside, the amazing history, the warm welcome that they receive here, not least here in Marrakech.”
While acknowledging Morocco’s strong ties with other European countries, he concluded with a clear message: “I really see there being a strong potential for growth with the UK.”
