During a recent visit to Morocco, Chinese President Xi Jinping reinforced China’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s security and stability. He engaged with Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, discussing enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and cultural exchanges. Xi’s discussions also highlighted substantial Chinese investments in Morocco’s electric vehicle sector, underscoring the strengthening relationship between the two countries.
On November 25, 2024, during a significant meeting in Casablanca with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s dedication to supporting Morocco’s national security and stability. This meeting occurred during Xi’s brief stopover on his return to China from the 19th G20 Summit and a state visit to Brazil. President Xi emphasized the importance of mutual support regarding core interests between the two nations, highlighting the flourishing China-Morocco relations that have seen effective cooperation across various sectors.
Xi expressed appreciation for Morocco’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged previous high-level exchanges, notably King Mohammed VI’s historic 2016 visit to China, which enhanced bilateral relations. He proposed further collaboration to advance outcomes from the recent Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Crown Prince conveyed King Mohammed VI’s warm greetings to Xi and emphasized the continued strong momentum of Morocco-China relations. He highlighted Morocco’s appreciation of China’s support and voiced aspirations to strengthen cultural exchanges, which solidify the foundational friendship of the two nations. Xi and Hassan discussed the importance of their countries’ shared principles regarding national sovereignty and stability, indicating a proactive approach towards mutual collaboration in those areas.
Recent years have seen escalating Chinese investments in Moroccan infrastructure, especially within the railway and electric vehicle sectors. Notably, on November 13, Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer, signed an agreement with Morocco’s state-owned CDG to establish an electric battery gigafactory in Kenitra. This pivotal project marks an initial investment of approximately 13 billion dirhams ($1.3 billion) and aims to produce 20 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries, potentially generating around 2,300 jobs to bolster local economic growth.
The burgeoning relationship between China and Morocco represents a strategic partnership of great significance, characterized by robust trade, cultural exchange, and mutual support in international matters. The heightened cooperation in infrastructure, particularly in sectors such as transport and renewable energy, exemplifies the tangible benefits of this alliance. The Belt and Road Initiative plays a vital role in enhancing bilateral economic ties, as it facilitates investment and development projects from China to Morocco. This context underscores the broader implications of the recent meetings and agreements.
In summary, President Xi Jinping’s visit to Morocco marks a significant reinforcement of the bilateral relationship between China and Morocco, underpinned by shared interests and collaborative aspirations. The discussions initiated partnerships designed to enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen economic cooperation through substantial investments in key sectors. Both leaders underscored their commitment to mutual support in maintaining sovereignty, security, and stability, indicating a future of promising cooperation that could yield extensive benefits for both nations.
Original Source: asianews.network
