Morocco and the Philippines: growing trade and strengthening diplomatic bonds

The diplomatic ties between Morocco and the Philippines are built upon a robust foundation, ripe for expansion across various strategic sectors, Ambassador Leslie Baja affirmed. He expressed satisfaction over the recent celebration of fifty years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Reflecting on this enduring partnership, Ambassador Baja described a journey marked by a series of high-level exchanges, the signing of numerous agreements, and the cultivation of strong interpersonal connections. These, he believes, form the bedrock for the next half-century of bilateral cooperation.

From an economic standpoint, the Philippine diplomat reaffirmed the notable progress in bilateral trade recently. He reiterated that commerce between Morocco and the Philippines has seen an impressive 50% rise, though both nations still anticipate even greater volumes.

Ambassador Baja emphasized Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to both Africa and Europe, complemented by the Philippines’ active membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He believes these distinct advantages create a fertile ground for expanded economic collaboration.

He further highlighted untapped opportunities in key sectors, including agro-industry, aeronautics, electronics, and textiles. It was also noted that the Philippines stands as a significant importer of Moroccan phosphate.

Discussing prospects for regional cooperation, the Ambassador commended the sectoral partnership agreement forged in 2023 between Morocco and ASEAN. He views this accord as unlocking a vast array of collaborative possibilities, both bilaterally and across the wider region.

Regarding the Royal Atlantic Initiative, designed to facilitate Atlantic Ocean access for Sahelian states, Ambassador Baja remarked that this endeavor significantly bolsters African regional integration. He drew parallels to ASEAN’s own successful integration model, anticipating positive economic, political, and social dividends for the continent.

He observed that “Africa’s regional integration will undoubtedly benefit the continent economically and even politically, leading to a more politically stable, economically resilient, and culturally flourishing Africa.”

Concerning Manila’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces, the Ambassador recalled that during the Philippine Foreign Minister’s visit to Morocco in 2022, the Philippines had affirmed the Moroccan Initiative as a “solid foundation” for resolving the dispute.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 represents a “game changer” in this matter, Ambassador Baja highlighted, expressing optimism for the successful conclusion of the political process.

He also conveyed his nation’s continued support for the UN-led process aimed at achieving a definitive resolution to this issue.

Furthermore, Ambassador Baja discussed an upcoming book detailing the history of Morocco-Philippines relations, scheduled for presentation this Thursday. He explained that this initiative seeks to chronicle a half-century of cooperation and underscore the significant contributions of both Moroccan and Filipino people to fostering closer ties between their nations.

According to him, the book transcends a mere recounting of historical facts, offering instead a profound testament to the human connections that have fortified the relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines.