Indo – Moroccan Relations Set For Royal Take Off

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International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]

When the King of Morocco H. M Mohammed VI and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet warmth and noble feelings are bound to be there. That is exactly what happened when Narendra Modi met the Moroccan monarch on Thursday morning in the first bilateral meeting of the day on the sidelines of the India – Africa Forum Summit’s fourth and concluding day. Recalling the historical friendship with Morocco, Narendra Modi hoped for – ‘A modern relationship with Morocco.’ H. M King Mohammed was very pleased with the gesture and he reciprocated the noble feelings from India in full measure.

The third edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit 2015 has provided a high-level political platform for African Heads of State and government and particularly Morocco  and the Indian government to deliberate on their common problems, including food, health and environment, as well as strengthen and expand cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism and other fields. In this inter- continental context , HM King Mohammed VI will hold bilateral talks with heads of state and government of several countries visiting India. Meeting with the Indian Prime Minister on Thursday was a step in this direction.

The relations between India and Morocco go back to the 14th century when the famous traveler, writer and judge from Tangier, Morocco,  Ibn Battuta travelled to India. His prolific writings on medieval Indian society are as much an important source of historical information about India to the Indians as to the Moroccans themselves. In the 20^th century, India was active in the UN supporting the Moroccan freedom movement and recognized Morocco on June 20, 1956 when it became independent of the protectorate arrangements with France. Diplomatic Missions were established in 1957. Over the years and into the 21^st century, India and Morocco have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations and bilateral relations have witnessed significant expansion except for a brief period when the Indian Government under present Prime Minister Modi’s political Guru, the then Prime Minister made a diplomatic gaffe by recognizing the so-called Western Sahara Republic. Morocco felt that it was akin to recognizing Kashmir as a separate State. Relations had soured but restored to normal after the next Indian Government made amends, which satisfied Morocco.

‘Even for this India – Africa Forum Summit 2015, the African Union (AU) spurred by South Africa and Zimbabwe, asked India to invite the Polisario Front but the Government of India wisely declined’.

Recently, Indo – Moroccan relations have scored a steady economic growth. In 2014, trade between the two countries stood at $1.36 billion, with India’s exports to Morocco amounting to $500.5 million while imports were valued at $855.8 million. Indian exports to Morocco in 2014 decreased by 21.6% compared to the previous year while Moroccan exports to India registered an increase of 10.2%. The balance of trade is always in favor of Morocco because of India’s imports of phosphoric acid and rock phosphate.

There is also a lot of special interest in Morocco in Indian art and culture. The 12th Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF), held from 30th November to 8th December, 2012 in Marrakech, paid glorious tributes to Indian Cinema, celebrating its centenary in 2013.

The Moroccan Firms General Confederation (CGEM) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)’s  memorandum of understanding will boost trade relations between the two countries.This document is meant to reinforce trade between the two countries through deepening economic and commercial cooperation and promoting mutual investment.

According to the memorandum signed under the supervision of the Moroccan Centre for Export Promotion (Maroc-Export),both parties undertake  to boost trade missions and information exchange to promote the business climate between the India and Morocco countries and increase exports. The memorandum aims to establish a platform for exchange between India and Morocco in the areas of investment, industry and tourism, Jyotsna Suri told the media. She noted that this agreement is an important milestone in the bilateral relations.

Miriem Bensaleh Cheqroun emphasised that this agreement will provide a basis for cooperation defining a number of areas that interest the private sector of both countries. She expressed the wish to see Morocco, which has become a privileged gateway to Africa, give through this partnership a new impetus to relations between Morocco and Asia.

“It is up to us to pool efforts and undertake integrated and inclusive cooperation actions for economic development and sustainable human development, as underlined by HM King Mohammed VI’s speech during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire in 2014,” said Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Salaheddine Mezouar in a speech at the Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting of the Summit of India-Africa forum 2015 on Wednesday.

Mezouar opined that the development taking place in Africa and in the Indian subcontinent offers an opportunity “we should seize especially in a global economic context marked by a slowdown in developed countries’ growth.” He recalled the political, security, economic and environmental challenges facing India and Africa.

“Our projects and decisions will continue to echo in case States’ peace, security and stability remain precarious and suffer from the devastating impact of armed movements, terrorist groups and all kinds of trafficking which hamper all efforts to establish democracy and undermine all initiatives of sustainable human development,” the Moroccan Foreign Minister said.

Loyal to its pan-African historical legacy, the Kingdom of Morocco put Africa at the heart of its concerns and strategic choices by developing a voluntary-based south-south cooperation, which is innovative, mutually beneficial and solidarity-based, claimed Mezouar.

‘Indo – Moroccan relations are set for a royal take off! Both the countries can usher in an era of peace and development through mutual cooperation and guide the continents of Asia and Africa. Now, the world order is changing. Here come India and Morocco! I have reported about many bilateral and multi lateral events but this seems to be the best so far. I could sense a real change coming just before the reforms to the United Nations Security Council. India and Morocco will play a leadership role for the developing nations. The Moroccan Times is a partner in this grand endeavour of dialogue for development and peace through our responsibility to inform the public in this age of media.