The diplomatic ties between Morocco and the Philippines rest on a robust foundation that spans decades, Ambassador Leslie Baja of the Philippines stressed in Rabat. He celebrated the five-decade milestone of bilateral relations last year, marking half a century of cooperation.

In an exclusive discussion, the ambassador outlined how these relations have flourished through high-level exchanges, landmark agreements, and deep human connections. These pillars, he emphasized, will serve as the bedrock for the next fifty years of partnership.

On the economic front, he reported a surge in bilateral trade, with commerce between the two nations climbing by nearly 50% in recent years. Despite this growth, he noted that current trade volumes remain below the ambitions of both governments.

The diplomat pointed to Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa and Europe and the Philippines’ active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as complementary strengths that could propel economic collaboration forward. He highlighted promising sectors including agro-industry, aerospace, electronics, and textiles, while recalling the Philippines’ significant role as an importer of Moroccan phosphate.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Baja praised the 2023 sectoral partnership agreement between Morocco and ASEAN, calling it a catalyst for broader collaboration at both bilateral and regional levels. He also lauded the Royal Atlantic Initiative, which aims to grant Sahelian states access to the Atlantic Ocean, comparing its potential impact to the ASEAN integration model. This initiative, he argued, could enhance Africa’s economic resilience, political stability, and cultural vibrancy.

«Regional integration in Africa will undoubtedly strengthen the continent economically and politically, fostering greater stability, resilience, and cultural prosperity,» he stated.

Addressing the Moroccan autonomy plan for the southern provinces, the ambassador recalled the Philippines’ endorsement during the 2022 visit of the Philippine Foreign Minister to Morocco. He described the initiative as a «solid foundation» for resolving the dispute, with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 serving as a turning point in the process. He expressed optimism that the political process would reach a successful conclusion, reaffirming Manila’s support for the UN-led efforts.

Additionally, the ambassador mentioned an upcoming book launch chronicling the history of Moroccan-Philippine relations, set for this week. The publication aims to trace half a century of cooperation and highlight the contributions of both nations in fostering mutual understanding. Far from being a mere historical account, he described it as a testament to the human bonds that have cemented relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines.