Korea and Morocco established diplomatic relations in July 1962 and Morocco was the first African country to host Korean diplomatic representation. However, the connection between the two countries goes even further back. Moroccan solders participated in the Korean war a decade before the establishment of diplomatic relations, which made the peoples of the two nations blood brothers. The two countries have steadily developed close cooperation since then and taken new steps towards the diversification and extension of cooperation to strategic economic sectors in various industrial sectors.
Early June this year, Korea and Morocco reiterate their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties at the meeting between Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representative of Morocco and Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo held on the sidelines of inaugural Korea-Africa Summit.
On the special occasion of the Throne Day of the Kingdom of Morocco, July 30th, the Korea IT Times interviewed H.E. Chafik Rachadi, Ph.D, Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Republic of Korea for its special report, ‘Korea-Morocco Economic Ties, Present and Future’. Following are the full text of the interview.
Excellency, could you introduce us to the Throne Day?
The Throne Day, the National Day of Morocco, marks the 25th Anniversary of Accession of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, to the Throne, symbolizing the values of loyalty and faithfulness.
From the beginning of His Reign, His Majesty endeavors to secure the path of reform and modernization, enhancing the State of institutions and seeks to establish a cohesive society around the values of openness, moderation, tolerance and dialogue.
Would you brief us about Morocco’s recent outstanding projects under the Reign of His Majesty the King?
His Majesty spurred most infrastructure investments in the country, including, Tanger Med Port and Dakhla Atlantic Port, connecting north and south of Morocco to the world.
The automotive sector has positioned Morocco as the 1st producer of passenger cars in Africa; the aerospace sector emerges as a key player, added to the bio-health sector, with the inauguration by His Majesty of Africa’s Largest Bio-Science Park.
A flagship example of Morocco’s strategic endeavors is the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, as a lever for regional integration.
Morocco’s Atlantic African States initiative, launched alongside 22 African countries, is another significant move towards regional integration.
His Majesty’s international initiative aims to enable Sahel states’ access to the Atlantic Ocean. Within this framework, Morocco has made its road, port, and railway infrastructure available to these states, serving as a pragmatic platform for the development of Sahel countries’ infrastructure and connection to regional transport and communication networks.
Concerning the Moroccan Sahara, the past 25 years were characterized by the consolidation of the Moroccan position by the international support of many countries, including USA, Spain, Germany, Israel among others, bolstering the Autonomy plan as the only serious solution within the Moroccan sovereignty.
Would you tell us about the major issues discussed between Korea and Morocco during the Korea-Africa Summit?
On the occasion of the Korea-Africa Summit, H.E Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, held bilateral meetings with H.E Mr. Cho Tae Yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs and with His Excellency Mr. Inkyo Cheong, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Korea. These two encounters gave birth to the signature of three Agreements on 1) social security 2) climate change and 3) loans from Economic Development Cooperation Fund, as well as of 4) a joint statement on the launch of discussions for trade and investments.
Concerning Korea-Africa Summit, Morocco affirmed the necessity to move toward a new era of co-prosperity. Closely aligned with Morocco’s priorities and His Majesty the King’s vision of, the Summit aimed to foster a positive developmental trajectory for Africa, helping African nations unlock their full potential.
On bilateral field, Morocco and Korea have enjoyed over 60 years of excellent bilateral relations, with historical and cultural ties that have grown stronger and evolved into a solid partnership. Morocco expresses optimism for future cooperation, aiming to elevate the bilateral relations to a higher level that benefits both countries. Cooperation between Morocco and Korea spans various fields, including economic, political, cultural and academic sectors.
Excellency, would you inform us about cooperation between Morocco and Korea and investment potentials in Morocco, being a gateway to Africa?
Within the frame of deepening its relations with Asian countries, Morocco has endeavored, six decades ago, to develop cooperation with Korea, witnessing continuous progress in many sectors.
Just 2 years ago, our two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, crowned by launching the “Morocco Now” brand in Korea during a roadshow organized in the presence of a large delegation coming from Morocco.
Today, Korea and Morocco are working toward an ever-stronger collaboration, with cooperation in fields ranging from economic, cultural, educational, academic, sanitary, research and technology transfers. To attract foreign investments, namely Korean, Morocco has developed tax-relief and investor-friendly policies to provide the most hospitable ground for its industries to flourish.
In fact, the two countries’ story began in the 1950s, when Moroccan soldiers first set foot, voluntarily, on this land as a part of the UN Battalion sent to aid the Republic of Korea during the war. From that time, our two people shared a bond as blood brothers, fighting to protect our shared democratic ideals.
What industrial sectors would be most attractive to potential Korean investors to Morocco?
Potential Korean investors would be particularly attracted to sectors such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, renewable energy, and textiles in Morocco. These industries benefit from Morocco's strategic location, skilled workforce, supportive government policies, and access to markets in Europe and Africa, making them promising areas for investment and partnership opportunities.
Please introduce currently outstanding Korean companies in Morocco.
Currently, outstanding Korean companies in Morocco include Daewoo International Corporation that is engaged in various sectors in Morocco, including energy, construction, and infrastructure projects. There is also LG Electronics that has a presence in Morocco, contributing to the electronics sector through sales and distribution networks. Also, Samsung Electronics participates in Morocco's consumer electronics market with a range of products and services. These companies exemplify the successful Korean presence in Morocco, contributing to the country's economic development and bilateral relations.
Please let us know your point of view on the strengthening further the economic and cultural ties between the two countries in the years to come.
While reiterating sincere congratulations for the successful organization in Seoul of the first Korea-Africa Summit, the Kingdom of Morocco, on a bilateral level and as an African Nation is confident that economic cooperation and cultural ties will be reinforced between both countries, witnessed by the firm will of the authorities in this respect and expressed through the 3 Agreements and the Joint Statement signed early June in Seoul.
We eagerly then anticipate in the years to come that bilateral cooperation in all fields flourish and prosper. May the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Korea continue to stride forward, experiencing even greater progress, stability, security, and peace.
