The economic relations between Morocco and Pakistan have taken center stage during a recent meeting held in Islamabad, coinciding with the celebration of Morocco's Throne Day. This pivotal gathering saw officials and diplomats from both nations discuss opportunities for expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, education, tourism, security, as well as water management and waste management. The meeting was organized by the Afghanistan and Middle East and Africa Center of the Institute of Strategic Studies in partnership with the Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development and Research. It was attended by the Moroccan Ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Kermoun, and the Assistant Secretary of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry for Africa, Hamid Asghar Khan, alongside numerous officials, diplomats, and researchers.
Participants emphasized that the Morocco-Pakistan relationship, which has flourished for over seven decades, is built on a historical foundation of respect, trust, and cooperation. They highlighted the importance of developing a bilateral partnership and leveraging Morocco's growing role in the African continent. On the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Kermoun presented the significant economic and social advancements that Morocco has experienced, particularly in the fields of industry, tourism, renewable energy, and investment. He underscored the increasing political and institutional interactions between Rabat and Islamabad, facilitated by high-level visits and coordination in international forums.
Kermoun reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to continue strengthening cooperation between the two countries and advancing shared development goals, emphasizing their historical ties rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. Senator Mashood Hussain Syed, President of the Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development and Research, recalled the historical connections between the two nations, noting Pakistan's support for Morocco's independence struggle and Morocco's role in founding the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He praised Morocco's rich historical and cultural heritage and its renowned hospitality, reiterating the strong relationship that binds the two countries.
Additionally, the Pakistani Ambassador to Morocco, Syed Adeel Gilani, discussed the momentum of bilateral relations expected to grow in 2026 through high-level visits and expansion into new areas of cooperation, including trade, agriculture, investment, education, security, and tourism. Gilani stressed the significance of Morocco's regional and African role within Pakistan's strategy to enhance engagement on the continent, while also emphasizing the need for coordination between the two nations in multilateral forums.
In this context, Hamid Asghar Khan highlighted Morocco's experience in peace, security, tourism, foreign direct investment, and infrastructure, particularly pointing out the remarkable growth of the tourism sector, which attracted 18 million tourists and generated revenues of $14 billion last year. He noted the opportunities available to deepen cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, food security, education, water management, and waste management, thereby allowing for the expansion of their bilateral partnership.
Amna Khan, Director of the Afghanistan and Middle East and Africa Center, emphasized Morocco's development and its growing role in Africa, asserting the kingdom's importance as a key partner for Pakistan in enhancing its engagement with the continent. Concluding the meeting, Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Institute of Strategic Studies, underscored Morocco's strategic position as a bridge between Sub-Saharan Africa and the wider world, arguing that this location presents significant opportunities for Pakistan in trade, investment, industry, and other sectors. Mahmood confirmed both countries' desire to continue strengthening their bilateral partnership, commending the Moroccan embassy's efforts to promote Moroccan culture and heritage and foster closer ties between the two nations.
As reported by hespress.com.
