By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sent his warmest felicitations to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and affirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation, as the Philippines and Morocco mark 50 years of bilateral relations.
In his letter to the Moroccan leader on Thursday, Marcos described this commemoration as a “major milestone” in the two countries’ ties.
“This major milestone in our bilateral relations not only allows us to reflect on the achievements of the past five decades, but also provides the direction for steering our partnership towards mutual growth and prosperity for the next 50 years,” he said.
Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Rabat “in areas of mutual interest and benefit, particularly fostering people-to-people exchanges and enhancing trade and investment”.
The President also received a similar letter from King Mohammed VI expressing congratulations on this important milestone.
In his letter, King Mohammed VI said he values “the close, longstanding bonds enjoyed” by the two countries in various sectors.
“The past five decades of Morocco-Philippines relations stand out as a model of bilateral ties rooted in mutual esteem and fruitful cooperation. Our relationship has led to tangible, positive results in several fields, reflecting the depth of the close friendship and mutual understanding between our two nations,” his letter to Marcos read.
He likewise assured the chief executive that Morocco is committed to continue working with the Philippines in strengthening cooperation and exploring “new horizons for partnership”.
“The aim is to give fresh momentum to our bilateral relations and take them to a higher level in order to fulfil our shared aspirations and contribute to promoting peace and stability at the regional and international levels,” he said.
“I keenly look forward to the promotion of cooperation and coordination between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines. I also hope our partnership will be strengthened and expanded in various sectors in the coming years, for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”
Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Morocco were established on April 10, 1975.
A significant development in the two nations’ ties was the establishment of the Philippines Embassy in Rabat in 2020 after closure for 27 years, and the opening of the Moroccan Embassy in Manila. (PNA)
