Tokyo: As the Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 25th anniversary of HM King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne of his glorious ancestors, Ambassador Rachad Bohlal highlighted his country's many achievements during his monarch's reign and the kingdom's close ties with Japan.
The ceremony was attended by Digital Minister Kono Taro, Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry Saito Ken and Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hosaka Yasushi as well as other high officials and business leaders.
Ambassador Bohlal said that while celebrating the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, our bilateral relations are stronger than ever.
“Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's recent visit to Japan and his fruitful meeting with (Foreign Minister) Yoko Kamikawa demonstrated our shared commitment to further strengthen our historic ties based on deep friendship between the royal family and the royal family.”
“The Memorandum of Understanding for Enhanced Partnership signed during the visit of the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs will strengthen our future cooperation in broad areas. In this document, both sides reaffirm 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. confirmed.
Ambassador Bouhlal also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with Japan's decision to send a METI representative to the Japanese Embassy in Rabat, Japan, saying that it will enhance the economic relations between the two countries and pointed out that the number of Japanese companies has increased in the last five years. Morocco has more than doubled.
“Morocco has emerged as a leading automotive manufacturer in Africa, significantly supported by Japanese companies,” Ambassador Bohlal added. “As a result, Morocco is now the world's 10th largest car manufacturer, with export sales reaching $14 billion last year.”
Morocco has already produced the first hydrogen-fueled car in Africa and the Arab world and currently employs more than 20,000 people in its aerospace industry, working with companies such as Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus. The country also has a significant pharmaceutical industry and produces 70 percent of its domestic needs.
“My country today produces more than 38 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and aims to reach 52 percent by 2030,” said the ambassador. Solar generation via 4,000 km underwater cable.
He also noted that Morocco has the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, and the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which will be commissioned in 2029, will be an important 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 is well understood by Japan, is one of our country's top priorities,” Ambassador Bohlal continued. “For example, Morocco, a major global producer and exporter of fertilizers, has established fertilizer production facilities in Ethiopia and Nigeria.”
“Morocco's various initiatives across Africa reflect its strong vision of South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty, aims to ensure free access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries while promoting economic integration, stability, peace, prosperity and human development. These are some of our achievements. 1 would like to share with you.
Ambassador Bohlal reminded that Morocco will be a co-host of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 and congratulated Japan for its achievements in the Paris Olympic Games.
In response, Hosaka, the Parliamentary Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, congratulated Morocco and King Mohammed VI on their success.
“On this auspicious occasion of the 25th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I am pleased to extend, 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 for Japan in the Middle East and African region since its independence in 1956. I am very pleased that our two countries have developed excellent relations through exchanges at various levels, both public and private. Between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family Areas based on traditional friendships.
Hosaka recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for Enhanced Partnership and the fifth Japan-Arab Economic Forum held in Tokyo this month, which strengthened Japan's ties with Morocco and the Arab world.
“We will continue to vigorously promote bilateral cooperation in various fields through high-level mutual exchanges,” Hosaka added. “Economic relations between the two countries have become closer in recent years. Currently, there are more than 70 Japanese companies operating in Morocco.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to make every effort to improve the business and investment climate in Morocco, including the establishment of the Bilateral Business Environment Improvement Committee. I hope that every business participant here today will share the attraction of Morocco.
“I would like to wish good health and happiness for Ambassador Bohlal, all members of the Moroccan Embassy in Japan and all the distinguished guests present here today.”
