Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Morocco. He hoped that these relations would be further cemented in the days to come.
He addressed the gathering as chief guest during Morocco’s National Day, hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco. Hamid Asghar Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco and Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), was the guest of honour. The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Pakistan, Ambassador of Turkmenistan H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, and Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Federal Minister, Board of Investment, were also present.
Earlier, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Pakistan, and his team extended a warm welcome to guests. The event, held at a Serena hotel, brought together diplomats, senior government officials, parliamentarians, members of the business community, academics, media representatives, and distinguished guests to commemorate the anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest congratulated the Government and people of Morocco on their National Day and conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. He praised the excellent relations between the two brotherly countries and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The chief guest noted that Pakistan highly values its friendship with Morocco and appreciates the constructive role both countries play in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Muslim world and beyond. He said the two nations share common perspectives on many international issues and continue to support each other in multilateral forums.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco highlighted the importance of Throne Day as a symbol of Morocco’s national identity and development. The ambassador paid tribute to the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI and outlined Morocco’s achievements in economic development, infrastructure, renewable energy, education, social welfare, and regional cooperation.
The ambassador also underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Morocco and Pakistan, noting that the two countries have enjoyed cordial and friendly ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958. He said the relationship is rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and common positions on regional and international issues.
Highlighting bilateral cooperation, the ambassador said Morocco and Pakistan continue to strengthen collaboration in diverse sectors, including trade, agriculture, education, tourism, culture, renewable energy, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed confidence that the existing partnership would continue to expand through enhanced economic engagement and regular exchanges between government institutions, business communities, and academic organizations.
Throne Day is one of Morocco’s most significant national occasions and is observed annually on July 30. The day symbolizes national unity, stability, and the country’s continued progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Across Morocco and at Moroccan diplomatic missions worldwide, the occasion is marked with ceremonies celebrating the nation’s achievements and its commitment to international cooperation.
The reception in Islamabad began with the national anthems of Morocco and Pakistan, reflecting the mutual respect and longstanding friendship between the two countries. A ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony followed, adding a festive touch to the celebrations.
As the ceremony concluded, guests extended their congratulations to the Moroccan ambassador and expressed their best wishes to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco for continued peace, prosperity, and progress. The celebration reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Morocco and highlighted the determination of both countries to build on decades of close diplomatic ties through greater cooperation in economic, cultural, and strategic fields.
