Celebrating six and a half decades of partnership in Rabat
Rabat recently became the stage for a special commemoration as Morocco and Vietnam marked 65 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations. The Vietnamese embassy in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Army of Liberation Members, orchestrated a memorable day of events on Friday to honor this historic milestone.
The festivities opened with the unveiling of an exhibition titled “President Ho Chi Minh – Emblem of Peace and International Friendship”, which runs until June 26. This tribute showcases the life and legacy of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader, whose lifelong commitment to peace, independence, and cross-border cooperation continues to inspire generations. The exhibition was made possible through a partnership between the Morocco-Vietnam Friendship Association and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
A key highlight of the event was a symposium focused on identifying new pathways for deeper cooperation. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties across diplomacy, economics, academia, culture, and human exchanges. The gathering brought together officials, historians, and cultural figures from both nations to explore shared opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing world.
In his keynote address, Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Army of Liberation Members—and also President of the Morocco-Vietnam Friendship Association—emphasized the deep historical significance of the relationship between Morocco and Vietnam. He described the anniversary as “a testament to two peoples whose shared struggles for freedom have forged enduring bonds of solidarity and shared destiny.”
El Ktiri also drew attention to a symbolic gesture from 2022: the inauguration of the Vietnam Gate in Kenitra, designed as a mirror image of Morocco’s Gate of Bà Vì. These twin monuments stand not only as architectural landmarks but as enduring symbols of friendship that bridge continents and generations.
Delivering his remarks, Le Kim Quy, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Morocco, highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations in recent years. He pointed to the increasing frequency of high-level visits and meetings between both countries as proof of growing mutual trust and a shared vision for a stronger strategic partnership. He also underscored the remarkable growth in trade volume, which reached $390 million in 2025—a figure that reflects not only economic progress but also the strengthening of people-to-people connections through education, culture, and decentralized cooperation between local governments.
The celebration concluded with the inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh Library, a new cultural space in Rabat. The library houses a collection of books in French, English, and Arabic, generously donated by Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site to the High Commission. This addition to the city’s cultural landscape aims to foster greater understanding and preserve the memory of a leader whose ideals continue to guide international cooperation today.
