Trần Thanh Mẫn, the President of the Vietnamese National Assembly, will make an official visit to Morocco at the invitation of Rachid Talbi Alami, the Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives. This visit is seen as a testament to both countries' firm commitment to strengthening and expanding their partnership. Jamale Chouaibi, the Ambassador of Morocco to Vietnam, stated that the visit reflects the deep mutual respect and shared values that form the foundation of their relationship.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Ambassador Chouaibi highlighted the remarkable similarities between the two nations, particularly their dedication to promoting peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Both countries actively contribute to UN peacekeeping forces, with Morocco being a major troop contributor, particularly in Africa. Since 2014, Vietnam has also established itself as a key contributor in the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Furthermore, both nations are strong proponents of South-South cooperation, sharing experiences, expertise, and best practices to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Ambassador Chouaibi added that Vietnam's impressive development is a globally acclaimed success story, with many African countries viewing it as a model for socio-economic development.
The strategic geographical locations of both countries also enhance their partnership potential. Morocco considers Vietnam a gateway to Southeast Asia due to its pivotal role within ASEAN, while Vietnam sees Morocco as a bridge to Africa and Europe.
The history of their relationship dates back to the 1940s and 50s, even before the establishment of diplomatic ties. During this period, some Moroccan soldiers brought to Vietnam by the French joined the Vietnamese resistance. The "Morocco Gate" in Ba Vì, on the outskirts of Hanoi, and the "Vietnam Gate" near Kenitra in Morocco are powerful symbols of their shared history and sacrifice.
Parliamentary cooperation is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Various high-level exchanges have laid the groundwork for collaboration in other areas. Ambassador Chouaibi expressed gratitude for Vietnam's support in 2020, during its chairmanship of ASEAN, which enabled Morocco to become an observer state of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). Morocco recognizes the strategic importance of ASEAN and hopes to deepen its ties with the bloc.
Regarding specific prospects for cooperation, Ambassador Chouaibi noted that a meeting earlier this year between President Trần Thanh Mẫn and Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami confirmed that the relationship should extend beyond simple trade exchanges. Both countries are currently pursuing ambitious development programs in areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, the circular economy, and industrial sectors.
Logistics, in particular, is a key area of collaboration, with discussions underway on the possibility of twinning port relationships. The establishment of direct shipping routes would significantly boost trade between the two nations. The financial sector is also expected to be a crucial pillar of future cooperation, and Ambassador Chouaibi anticipates that a business forum will be held during President Trần Thanh Mẫn's visit to discuss collaboration in this area.
The Ambassador emphasized that the two economies are complementary rather than competitive. Morocco has strengths in renewable energy, the automotive industry, and fisheries, while Vietnam excels in processing industries, electronics, and agriculture. This complementarity provides a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.
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