ISLAMABAD, Thursday, July 31, 2025 (WNP): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), on Thursday hosted a special event to commemorate Morocco’s ‘Enthronement Day’ in a vibrant celebration of diplomatic friendship and shared heritage.

The ceremony brought together senior diplomats, foreign policy experts, and dignitaries from both countries, reflecting the warm and enduring ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Morocco’s Ambassador to Pakistan; Pakistan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Syed Adil Gilani; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address.

Opening the ceremony with the national anthems of both countries, Director CAMEA Amina Khan moderated a rich exchange of historical insights, development success stories, and future-focused dialogue.

In his address, Senator Mushahid Hussain recalled Pakistan’s historic support for Morocco’s anti-colonial struggle, highlighting how Pakistan provided a passport to Moroccan leader Ahmed Balafrej and supported his case at the United Nations through then-Foreign Minister Sir Zafarullah Khan. He also praised Morocco’s civilizational legacy, referencing the University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez — the world’s oldest — and famed explorer Ibn Battuta.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood paid tribute to Morocco’s transformation under King Mohammed VI, lauding its achievements in governance, green innovation, youth empowerment, and interfaith harmony. He reaffirmed the growing strength of Pakistan-Morocco cooperation, particularly in governance reforms, trade facilitation, and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Karmoune spotlighted Morocco’s economic resilience and large-scale development, inviting Pakistani investors to participate in its expanding sectors. “Now is the moment for both countries to move from goodwill to greater action,” he emphasized, noting that upcoming high-level meetings could unlock new avenues of partnership.

Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan praised Morocco’s dynamic foreign policy, robust infrastructure, and status as a top tourist destination attracting over 17 million visitors annually — contributing 14% to its GDP. He called for leveraging these strengths to build stronger economic and cultural ties with Pakistan.

Ms. Amina Khan emphasized Morocco’s strategic significance for Pakistan’s outreach to Africa and proposed collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, higher education, climate resilience, and agriculture.

Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani described Morocco as a beacon of sustainable development and good governance, citing its successes in healthcare, education, and innovation.

Wrapping up the event, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood hailed Morocco as a gateway to African and European markets and reaffirmed the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, and diplomacy.

The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to expand Pakistan-Morocco ties through sustained dialogue, people-to-people exchanges, and mutually beneficial partnerships rooted in shared values and vision.