Morocco's Strategic Engagement in Triangular Cooperation with China and Africa
Morocco is poised to enhance its role in fostering triangular cooperation with China and Africa across several critical sectors, as articulated by Abdelkader El Ansari, the Moroccan Ambassador to China. In a recent interview, El Ansari emphasized Morocco's deep-rooted historical connections with African nations and expressed the Kingdom's commitment to collaborate with China for the continent's advancement.
El Ansari highlighted Morocco's readiness to strengthen cooperation in vital areas such as training, healthcare, water resource management, and governance. He noted that both Morocco and China possess extensive expertise that can significantly benefit African partners.
The Ambassador reiterated that Africa has consistently been a focal point of Morocco’s foreign policy. He pointed out the Kingdom’s active participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) since its inception in 2000, which has included high-level attendance at all meetings and the initiation of numerous projects aimed at fulfilling FOCAC's objectives.
He further remarked that Morocco's vision for cooperation aligns closely with China's initiatives, particularly regarding African nations' interest in leveraging Chinese experience and investment.
Reflecting on Sino-Moroccan relations, El Ansari recalled pivotal decisions made during King Mohammed VI's historic visit to Beijing in 2016, including the introduction of visa exemptions for Chinese citizens and the establishment of the Mohamed VI Tangier Tech City, which hosts a multitude of Chinese enterprises across various sectors.
The Ambassador also underscored the robust political ties between Morocco and China, citing numerous bilateral agreements forged over the past four decades that have established a conducive legal framework for trade and investment.
El Ansari highlighted Morocco's potential as a gateway for Chinese companies seeking to enter African markets through mutually beneficial partnerships. He emphasized that Morocco offers an attractive business climate conducive to foreign investment, supported by a skilled workforce and significant infrastructure projects undertaken over the last twenty years in areas like ports, high-speed rail, renewable energy, and automotive manufacturing.
He noted that Morocco has been producing nearly one million vehicles annually since entering the automotive sector two decades ago and is now focusing on electric vehicles, a promising area for collaboration with China.
The official diplomatic relationship between Morocco and China dates back to 1958, making Morocco the second African nation to establish formal ties with the People's Republic of China. El Ansari remarked that these relations gained momentum following King Mohammed VI’s visit in 2016, which led to a strategic partnership encompassing political dialogue and economic collaboration across various sectors.
In this context, he affirmed that both nations uphold principles of national sovereignty and non-interference while advocating for a multilateral international order grounded in peace, security, and equitable economic development.
Looking ahead, El Ansari expressed optimism about welcoming an influx of Chinese tourists due to the visa exemption introduced in 2016 and the resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Beijing set for January 2025.