Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Morocco and Qatar enjoy excellent and distinct bilateral relations because of the deep fraternal ties between HM King Mohammed V1 and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the historical cooperation between the two brotherly people based on appreciation, mutual respect and active solidarity, Ambassador of Morocco to Qatar HE Mohamed Setri has said.
Ambassador Setri was speaking at a gala dinner reception on Tuesday to celebrate the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed V1.
Present on the occasion were Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs HE Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Director of Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of Arab Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Nayef bin Abdullah Al Siddiqi Al Emadi, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, dignitaries, ambassadors, guests and members of the Moroccan community.
Ambassador Setri said, "This year’s celebrations hold special significance because as we celebrate the silver jubilee of HM The King’s accession to the throne, we are also celebrating Morocco-Qatar Year of Culture, which is an auspicious opportunity to bring our Qatari sisters and brothers as well as residents of Qatar, not only the ancient heritage of Morocco and its civilisation deeply rooted in history, but also its contemporary achievements, through an integrated programme with various events and activities.”
He said there has been continuous consultation, coordination and exchange of visits by senior officials of the two countries in order to enhance bilateral cooperation which is framed by more than 100 agreements, memorandums of understanding and work programmes in the political, trade, commercial, economic and investment fields as well as key sectors such as industry, tourism, finance, transport, health, education, sports, youth, labour, judicial, administrative reform, and culture.
He added that under the visionary guidance of its leadership, Morocco pursues a diplomatic approach committed to dialogue and political resolution of disputes, respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and rejecting separatism and terrorism, while diversifying partnerships, and giving priority to the values of openness, tolerance and compromise.
About the accomplishments during last 25 years, he briefed the guests about having a new constitution, modern institutions established based on participation, pluralism and good governance.
"Moreover, there has been an increase in GDP from $46.27 billion in 1999 to $147 billion in 2023, a 217 percent growth rate. Furthermore, an acceleration of growth is expected in the coming five years in the context of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, being hosted by Morocco, jointly with Spain and Portugal,” the envoy said.
He said that as an embodiment of social integration, a breakthrough social protection system for all citizens was adopted and beneficiaries have reached around nine million people in 2023, while giant projects, including airports, ports, highways, high-speed trains and high value industries, are developed including automotive and aerospace manufacturing, while implementing an energy transition strategy and reviving the tourism sectors.
Ambassador Setri pointed out that Morocco is a leading car manufacturing country in Africa with a capacity production of one million cars annually and automobiles export in 2023 surpassed $14 billion, making its share of 33.2 percent of the total country’s exports.
In addition, Morocco launched its first home produced car as well as a hydrogen powered vehicle, he added.
Talking about tourism sector, the Moroccan envoy said that tourism revenues exceeded $10.5 billion in 2023, with a record of 14.5 million tourists, with a target to attract 26 million tourists yearly by 2030.
He thanked all the guests for participating in the celebrations and his community members for playing important role in the development of Qatar, fostering ties and building more bridges.