By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
Ambassador Chafik Rachadi of Morocco to Korea hosted a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI to the Throne, commemorated as the National Day of the Kingdom of Morocco, at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Seoul, on July 30.
Delivering a speech at the reception, Ambassador Chafik Rachadi said, “Morocco has spent the past quarter century cultivating and building momentum in international diplomacy, taking a dynamic course to establishing itself as a worldwide player.
“One important result of this approach is the consolidation of credible positions regarding the Moroccan Sahara, illustrated by a wide international support bolstering the Autonomy plan as the only serious and practicable solution that will reinforce the development in the region, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
He added, “To this end, it is important to emphasize that Morocco has made solidarity with Africa a strategic pillar of its foreign policy. The recent Royal Initiative, promoting access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel Countries, and the African Atlantic States initiative, structuring a geostrategic area and uniting its countries around common goals and actions, are only two of several Moroccan initiatives launched in key priority areas for the Continent.”
More than 400 guests, including foreign ambassadors and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
His Majesty the King Mohammad VI's 25 years of leadership are recognized as an outstanding reign that has strengthened Morocco's national development and vision. The celebrations are seen as a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the strong ties between the King and the people, reflect on the country's past and present, and prepare for the future. It serves as a reminder of Morocco's values, unique cultural identity, and deep traditions.
Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King, Morocco has established a multidimensional development model based on strengthening democracy, economic growth, and human resource development.
The country has reached global standards in infrastructure, energy, and biohealth, with notable achievements in the automotive and aviation industries, among others.
Relations between Korea and Morocco have been steadily developing since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. The participation of Moroccan soldiers in the Korean War forged a deep connection, and today, these bonds are expected to lead to greater cooperation.
Morocco is committed to promoting growth and stability in Africa through strong diplomatic relations, economic investment, and development projects across the continent. South Korea has also positioned itself as a trusted partner to African countries, and the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul in early June was a key moment in this cooperation.
Morocco utilizes its strategic location to serve as an important hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and its free trade agreements with Africa, Europe, and the United States make it a steadfast partner of South Korea.
During the ceremony, Chung Kee-yong, Special Representative for Indo-Pacific and former Korean Ambassador to Morocco, was awarded the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, with the rank of commander by King Mohammad VI.
Chung was recognized for his contributions, including identifying Korean War veterans in Morocco for the first time in 2022. While Moroccan youth have been recognized for their participation in World War I and World War II and the Vietnam War, this was the first time Korean War veterans had been identified.
In addition to the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs has decided to include veterans from deployed countries such as Morocco in its veterans diplomacy program.
