“Given the importance of the Philippines in the region, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), our ambition is to strengthen and to deepen our bilateral cooperation,” Rida El Fassi told MAP.
“In accordance with the High instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the opening of embassies in both countries marks the strong will to further develop relations and diversify cooperation between our two countries,” he said, noting that the objective is not only to strengthen relations with traditional partners but also to open up to other regions and countries, especially in Asia.
“Our ambition is to forge new partnerships and highlight the Kingdom of Morocco’s position as a pole of stability and peace and also as a credible player on international scene,” he stressed.
In this field, the ambassador recalled that cooperation relations between Morocco and the Philippines have experienced a positive development during the year 2022.
This dynamic has been marked by a successful parliamentary cooperation, which has resulted in the establishment of a Morocco-Philippines friendship group in the House of Representatives in Morocco and a Philippines-Morocco friendship group in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, he said.
The holding of the 2nd session of Morocco-Philippines political consultations, in March 2022, under the chairmanship of the minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Philippine counterpart, Teodoro Locsin Jr, was also an opportunity “to exchange converging views on a large number of international issues, as well as to proceed to the signing of several bilateral agreements and MoU to strengthen the legal framework of these relations,” he added.
The ambassador also underlined that other agreements and conventions are also under discussion, some of which are being finalized, including in the tourism sector, environment, education, employment, and other projects aimed at promoting and protecting investments.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Morocco, which will be celebrated on April 10, 2025, the Embassy of Morocco in Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Philippines in Rabat, is launching a logo design contest on January 19.
This joint initiative, organized under the theme “50 years of Philippines-Morocco relations”, is meant to be an opportunity to showcase dynamic relations between both countries which reflect a fruitful friendly climate illustrating the excellence of bilateral relations.
Entries must be emblematic of what the Philippines and Morocco share and should reflect the cordial and close relations characterized by mutual understanding, commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law.
The contest, which will be organized as part of various projects and activities leading up to this commemoration, is open to all residents of Morocco and the Philippines (ages 18 years and above). The deadline for submission of entries is June 30, 2023, and the winning entry will be used by both embassies during the commemoration year, from April 10, 2024, until the anniversary date of April 10, 2025.
In this field, Rida El Fassi noted that “a number of initiatives between the Philippines and Morocco can be realized by the anniversary year,” adding that during the year 2025, several activities will be organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.
