Chairman Man emphasised that although Vietnam and Morocco are geographically distant, they are close in history, sharing a common aspiration for freedom, peace, and national liberation. During Vietnam’s struggle for independence, many Moroccan soldiers, inspired by the just cause led by the beloved President Ho Chi Minh, left colonial forces to join the anti-colonial resistance. Many of them remained in Vietnam and contributed to its post-war reconstruction and development.

Building on a foundation of solidarity and mutual support during wartime and national construction, the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Morocco has continued to grow. Political trust has been strengthened, and both countries are moving toward the meaningful milestone of 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

According to the legislator, Morocco is currently Vietnam’s second largest trading partner in North Africa. Bilateral trade and investment activities have been expanding, with two-way trade reaching over US$300 million in 2024 and US$320 million in the first five months of 2025 alone.

He commended El Ktiri and the Morocco–Vietnam Friendship Association for their active contributions and support for the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco, including facilitating the local Vietnamese community and Moroccans of Vietnamese origin. The association has served as a bridge for bilateral friendship, promoting Vietnam’s image and culture in Morocco. Notably, it has championed the development of the Vietnam Gate in Morocco and the Morocco Gate in Vietnam that are cultural landmarks aimed at fostering remembrance of the shared heritage for future generations.

Welcoming the positive outcomes from El Ktiri’s visit to Vietnam in October 2024, Chairman Man suggested that both sides continue discussions on signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the two friendship associations to formalise cooperation activities, particularly in culture, education, economy, trade, and investment.

For his part, El Ktiri agreed with Chairman Man’s remarks and expressed his pleasure at the positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment.

He shared that the Morocco–Vietnam Friendship Association was established in 2017 to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Vietnam has also set up the Vietnam–Morocco Friendship Association, and both associations are actively working to fulfill shared goals. He hoped that the two sides would increase exchanges and activities in the lead-up to the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

El Ktiri also highlighted the rich historical connections between the two countries, particularly their past struggles for national liberation. He held that many Moroccan scholars have collected documents and published works to preserve this shared memory.

The president of the association reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with Vietnamese authorities to strengthen and advance cooperation between the two countries.

Casablanca policy dialogue seeks to enhance Vietnam – Morocco cooperation

VOV.VN - National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on July 25 attended a policy dialogue in Casablanca, Morocco, to promote business connectivity as well as investment and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Morocco.