**ISSI Hosts Event to Celebrate Morocco’s ‘Enthronement Day’ and Strengthen Pakistan-Morocco Ties**
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) and in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized a commemorative event marking Morocco’s ‘Enthronement Day’. The gathering celebrated the enduring bond between Pakistan and Morocco, emphasizing both historic ties and expanding avenues for cooperation in diverse fields such as trade, education, and sustainable development.
The event commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Morocco and was moderated by Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA. Distinguished speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan; Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani, Ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI; along with Chief Guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and Keynote Speaker Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his remarks, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed traced the historical roots of Pakistan-Morocco relations, highlighting Pakistan’s support during Morocco’s anti-colonial struggle. He recounted the issuance of a Pakistani passport to Moroccan leader Ahmed Balafrej and noted how Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister, Sir Zafarullah Khan, advocated for Morocco at the United Nations. Senator Sayed praised Morocco’s rich civilizational heritage, referencing the University of Fez and explorer Ibn Battuta, and called for continued partnership to nurture the deep ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized Morocco’s achievements under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. He outlined the Kingdom’s steady progress in governance, infrastructure, industrial diversification, green energy, youth empowerment, and global engagement, as well as its ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue and social inclusion. Ambassador Mahmood reaffirmed that diplomatic relations established in the 1950s have grown stronger and are rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and sustainable development. He recognized Morocco’s stance on key global issues and expressed a commitment to fostering links between ISSI and Moroccan think-tanks as part of broader people-to-people exchanges.
Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune highlighted Morocco’s advancements in industrial exports and tourism, and encouraged Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Morocco’s developmental projects and global trade networks. He underscored the importance of bilateral collaboration, noting that planned high-level meetings between Pakistan and Morocco aim to unlock new areas of cooperation.
Keynote speaker Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan attributed Morocco’s unity and progress to the steadfast leadership of its monarchy, commending the country’s solid governance and dynamic foreign policy. He described Morocco as a safe and welcoming country, with tourism accounting for 17.5 million visitors annually and comprising 14% of the GDP. Ambassador Khan advocated for expanding bilateral cooperation, noting Morocco’s role as a continental leader with significant potential.
Director Amina Khan reflected on the mutual trust and shared vision driving Pakistan-Morocco relations, pointing to significant opportunities in higher education, climate resilience, renewable energy, agriculture, and digital connectivity. She identified Morocco as a vital partner for Pakistan’s strategic engagement with Africa.
Providing further perspective, Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani lauded Morocco’s achievements in prosperity, governance, healthcare, and education, and acknowledged the country’s global influence and leadership in sustainable development. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, offering a vote of thanks, conveyed his best wishes to the people of Morocco and noted that Morocco’s strategic location positions it as a gateway to international markets.
The event concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the multifaceted and evolving relationship between Pakistan and Morocco, underpinned by historic solidarity and a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future.
