In a momentous celebration, Pakistan marked its 80th Independence Day in Morocco on Friday, with Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani highlighting the historical ties between the two nations and recounting the narrative of Pakistan's struggle for independence. Ambassador Gilani emphasized the significant role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, who united Muslim leaders in the quest for a separate nation, culminating in the establishment of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. This historical context served as a backdrop for the ambassador's remarks on the enduring friendship and support that Pakistan has extended to Morocco during its own fight for sovereignty.
One notable instance of this support was when Pakistan provided a passport to the Moroccan nationalist leader, Ahmed Balafrej, enabling him to address the United Nations Security Council after being barred under French colonial rule. Balafrej's eventual rise to the position of Morocco's Prime Minister underscores the deep-rooted connections forged through shared struggles for independence. Ambassador Gilani characterized Pakistan as a nation dedicated to peace, asserting that it possesses the capabilities to defend its sovereignty while also meaningfully contributing to the broader Muslim community. "We aspire to play a pivotal role in Morocco’s development to the best of our ability," he stated, reflecting Pakistan's commitment to fostering bilateral relations.
The year has been marked by significant advancements in the diplomatic relationship between Rabat and Islamabad. In January, both countries formalized a defense cooperation memorandum during the visit of Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif to Rabat. This agreement encompasses various aspects, including military training, joint exercises, cybersecurity initiatives, defense industry collaboration, military health, and the exchange of expertise. Furthermore, on August 6, Ambassador Gilani engaged in discussions with Morocco’s ambassador-designate to Pakistan, Amine Chabi, focusing on enhancing coordination between their diplomatic missions and exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral partnerships.
Ambassador Gilani expressed optimism regarding trade relations, estimating that bilateral trade could surpass $1 billion as both nations endeavor to deepen economic ties. In addition, the Pakistani embassy has initiated discussions with the Rabat Chamber of Commerce to facilitate increased business transactions and trade exchanges, alongside plans for future Pakistani business delegations to Morocco. This proactive approach signifies a commitment to not only commemorate shared histories but also to actively engage in mutual growth and cooperation.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
