Morocco’s Ambassador to India, Mohamed Maliki, recently emphasized the growing relationship between India and Morocco during discussions in New Delhi. He highlighted several areas of collaboration, including trade, defense, investment, counter-terrorism, and technology, illustrating the depth and potential of bilateral ties.
Ambassador Maliki remarked on the need for continuous improvement in their partnership, stating, “I think the sky is not even the limit for us,” reflecting optimism about India’s capabilities and progress in various sectors. He noted that both nations possess complementary strengths, with India contributing to Morocco’s industrial growth and IT sector, while Morocco plays a significant role in food security.
The ambassador pointed to significant opportunities for joint ventures in Africa, as Morocco is one of the largest investors on the continent. He expressed interest in utilizing shared experiences to foster development initiatives in Africa for mutual benefit.
On the subject of trade, Maliki mentioned the presence of Moroccan companies in India, particularly in pharmaceuticals and fertilizers, and highlighted increasing collaboration in diverse sectors, including automotive, mining, renewable energy, and maritime infrastructure. He also spoke about the importance of developing human resources through training programs in IT and industry.
Regarding counter-terrorism efforts, Maliki confirmed effective collaboration with India, noting the necessity of international cooperation to address the global challenge of terrorism. He outlined Morocco’s comprehensive strategy, which includes social development, intelligence enhancement, and education, particularly for training spiritual leaders.
Maliki also reiterated Morocco’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, emphasizing territorial integrity and national sovereignty. He praised India’s support for Morocco’s initiatives and expressed hope for broader support from the international community.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the positive impact of the e-visa regime, which has resulted in a notable increase in Moroccan tourists visiting India. Maliki conveyed optimism about expanding tourism links, potentially leading to discussions about direct flights.
While he mentioned that there were no immediate plans for new consulates, he confirmed that Morocco has established honorary consulates in various Indian states and is improving services through visa outsourcing arrangements.
Overall, the remarks from Ambassador Maliki reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the India-Morocco partnership across multiple sectors, with the potential for significant growth and collaboration on the global stage.