Kazakhstan Strengthens Ties with Morocco through New Honorary Consulate
The Republic of Kazakhstan has officially inaugurated an honorary consulate in Marrakech, appointing Moroccan entrepreneur Younes Essassi as its head, as announced by the Kazakhstan Embassy in the Kingdom of Morocco. This significant event was attended by Kazakhstan's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Morocco, Saulekul Saïlaoukyzy, alongside representatives from local and regional authorities, as well as notable figures from the economic, academic, and diplomatic sectors.
Younes Essassi, who is the CEO and founder of Anfa Realties Group, will serve as the honorary consul for the Marrakech district. His primary responsibilities will include safeguarding the rights and interests of Kazakh nationals residing in or visiting the area, according to the diplomatic representation from Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the newly appointed honorary consul is tasked with facilitating connections between Moroccan and Kazakh economic, institutional, cultural, and tourism stakeholders. He will work in collaboration with the Kazakhstan Embassy in Rabat to support businesses and foster the establishment of bilateral partnerships, as clarified by the diplomatic mission.
Strategic Importance of Marrakech for Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Saulekul Saïlaoukyzy expressed that the opening of this consular branch marks _“a new phase in the expansion of Kazakhstan's consular presence in Morocco.”_ She emphasized that the Marrakech representation will be instrumental in connecting with the local economic fabric and uncovering new investment opportunities. The ambassador highlighted Marrakech's strategic importance, describing it as a cultural, commercial, and tourism hub with international prominence. The city attracts numerous foreign visitors each year and plays a crucial role in the Kingdom's tourism and event activities.
In his remarks, Younes Essassi pledged to leverage his entrepreneurial experience and understanding of the Moroccan economy to enhance relations between the two countries. He assured that the honorary consulate would support joint projects and foster connections between Moroccan and Kazakh operators.
The commencement of a visa exemption set to take effect in March 2025 will permit stays of up to thirty days, further solidifying the diplomatic relations established between Morocco and Kazakhstan on May 26, 1992. Kazakhstan opened its embassy in Rabat in December 2020, and the upcoming visa waiver will facilitate easier travel between the two nations.
Additionally, both countries have established a Kazakhstan-Morocco Business Council aimed at enhancing exchanges between their entrepreneurial communities. The honorary consulate is expected to complement this initiative across economic, tourism, cultural, and consular avenues, as highlighted by the embassy. The consulate's office is located within the real estate project, Les Villas d’Anfa Marrakech, which is the first development by Anfa Realties Group in the city.
As reported by barlamane.com.
