**ISSI Hosts Event Marking Morocco’s Enthronement Day, Highlights Strong Pakistan-Morocco Ties**
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in partnership with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), held a commemorative event celebrating Morocco’s ‘Enthronement Day’. The gathering underscored the enduring diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Pakistan and Morocco, while highlighting Morocco’s achievements under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Participants called for expanded collaboration between the two countries, reflecting on shared values and aspirations.
The event, organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at ISSI, began with the national anthems of both Pakistan and Morocco, setting a tone of mutual respect. The proceedings were moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, and featured distinguished speakers including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Moroccan Ambassador to Pakistan; Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Morocco; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, served as Chief Guest, while the keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed reflected on the historical roots of Pakistan-Morocco relations, recalling Pakistan’s support for Morocco during its anti-colonial struggle. He recounted the story of Moroccan leader Ahmed Balafrej receiving a Pakistani passport, facilitating his advocacy at the United Nations, and emphasized the civilizational heritage of Morocco, notably the University of Fez and the renowned traveler Ibn Battuta. Senator Sayed highlighted the warmth of the Moroccan people and stressed the importance of closer collaboration to strengthen the longstanding bonds between the two nations.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood praised Morocco’s progress over the past 26 years under King Mohammed VI, pointing to significant reforms and modernization in governance, infrastructure, industry, and social inclusion, especially for youth. He acknowledged Morocco’s commitment to inter-faith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the strong and evolving diplomatic relationship with Pakistan, rooted in mutual respect and shared global objectives. He noted both countries’ active participation in international forums such as the OIC, Group of 77, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Morocco’s positions on key issues. Ambassador Mahmood shared ISSI’s intention to foster closer ties with Moroccan think tanks as part of enhancing people-to-people connections.
Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune highlighted Morocco’s resilient economic and social progress, noting robust growth in industrial exports and tourism. He encouraged Pakistani investors to explore Morocco’s development projects and capitalize on its extensive trade networks. Underscoring the historic and amicable bilateral relations, Ambassador Karmoune advocated for increased collaboration and pointed to upcoming high-level meetings that aim to identify new areas of cooperation.
Keynote speaker Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan credited King Mohammed VI’s leadership for Morocco’s stability and good governance. He described Morocco as a hospitable and safe destination, noting that tourism brings in 17.5 million visitors annually and contributes 14% to its GDP. Ambassador Khan highlighted Morocco’s continental influence and called for greater cooperation with Pakistan, particularly given Morocco’s standing as a regional and continental leader.
Ms. Amina Khan described Pakistan-Morocco relations as being defined by mutual trust, cultural affinity, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity. She identified Morocco as an essential partner for Pakistan’s engagement with Africa and noted significant potential for cooperation across sectors such as higher education, climate resilience, renewable energy, agriculture, and digital connectivity.
Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani lauded Morocco as a model of prosperity and sustainable development, highlighting its achievements in governance, healthcare, and education. He acknowledged Morocco’s increasing global influence, while Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, reiterated his good wishes for the Moroccan people and pointed to Morocco’s strategic location as a gateway to international markets.
The event concluded with expressions of mutual goodwill and a commitment to further fortify the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Morocco.
