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Rabat — Moroccan and Korean delegations have emphasized the importance of Morocco-Korea bilateral ties during the celebration of the Throne Day.
During the ceremony, the two countries reflected on decades of partnership rooted in shared sacrifice and mutual support.
Speaking at a commemorative event marking the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne, Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi pointed out the strategic momentum building between the two countries.
The celebration served as a platform to display not only Morocco’s economic achievements but also the deepening ties with Korea.
The relationship between Morocco and Korea traces back to the Korean War, when Moroccan soldiers fought alongside UN forces to defend Korea.
Two of those soldiers — Mohamed El Asry and Julien Djian — made the ultimate sacrifice, dying in 1951 and 1953, respectively.
“Two of those heroes are now peacefully resting in the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a dignified reminder of the human connections,” Rachadi said during the ceremony.
Korea’s Ambassador Chung Keeyong, who was recently honored by the King of Morocco with the Order of Wissam Alaouite, has been instrumental in preserving this historical bond.
Keeyong’s efforts led to the identification of 16 additional Moroccan veterans, bringing the total known participants to 24, and resulted in the publication of “Morocco-Korea: Blood Brothers.”
The wartime connection established a foundation that formal diplomatic relations, established in July 1962, would build upon.
Significantly, Korea established its first African embassy in Morocco, reflecting the early importance both nations placed on their relationship.
Recent developments demonstrate how this historical partnership has evolved into contemporary strategic cooperation.
In April 2025, the two countries launched negotiations for the Morocco-Korea Economic Partnership Agreement and are also collaborating on preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Economic partnerships have flourished, with Korea providing $100 million in development aid and securing a substantial $1.5 billion electric train deal with Morocco.
Environmental cooperation has also emerged as a key area, with joint initiatives including a reforestation project in Ouarzazate and green hydrogen programs aligning with Morocco’s ambitious renewable energy goals.
Speaking during the celebration, the Moroccan ambassador pointed to Morocco’s economic transformation, noting that over 40 percent of the country’s electricity now comes from renewables, with plans to reach 52 percent renewable capacity by 2030.
Morocco has also emerged as Africa’s largest car producer and has seen a 55 percent rise in foreign direct investment in 2024.
The relationship has been characterized by mutual support during pivotal moments.
Korea showed solidarity during Morocco’s 1975 Green March, a demonstration that helped secure the country’s territorial integrity and led to the Madrid Accords ending Spanish control over the region.
Keeyong reflected on this reciprocal support, describing how archival research uncovered Korea’s backing during the Green March. “From the trenches of the Korean War to the sands of the Green March… Morocco and Korea have always shown up for each other,” he concluded.
As Morocco has strengthened its position as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Arab world — cemented by its 2017 return to the African Union and 2022 ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area — its partnership with Korea continues to evolve, built on a foundation of shared sacrifice and sustained by mutual commitment to growth and cooperation.
