Morocco and Pakistan continue strengthening their strategic partnership through dialogue, cooperation, and shared regional interests. Pakistan’s ambassador to Morocco, Syed Adil Gilani, says the historic bond between Rabat and Islamabad is entering a new phase — one moving beyond decades of political and defense ties into deeper economic partnership. Speaking exclusively to 24SAA as Morocco marks the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Gilani detailed how a January defense pact and shared South-South ambitions are reshaping the relationship.
- Q: Pakistan’s support for Morocco’s independence is often invoked symbolically. How directly does that history still shape the relationship today, particularly with defense cooperation now advancing?
Gilani: This history remains a defining chapter in our relationship. Pakistan’s support for Morocco’s independence movement — including facilitating a travel document for nationalist leader Ahmed Balafrej in 1952 — is a cherished symbol of the brotherhood between our peoples. It laid a foundation of trust that still guides our relations today. Under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has become an important actor in regional stability and development, and Pakistan values that highly. The defense cooperation memorandum signed in January, during Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s visit to Rabat, shows how this historical relationship has grown into an advanced strategic partnership.
- Q: Beyond the memorandum itself, what specific areas of defense and security cooperation do you expect to develop next?
Gilani: The prospects are very promising. Our countries share common views on peace, stability, counter-terrorism and international cooperation based on mutual respect. There’s real potential to build on this through institutional exchanges, military training, defense industry cooperation, joint peacekeeping efforts, and regular consultations on regional and international security developments.
- Q: Morocco’s role as a bridge between Africa and Europe is now well established. Where specifically does Pakistan see room to build its own partnership with Morocco within that dynamic?
Gilani: Pakistan views Morocco as an important partner in Africa and the Arab world. Under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, Morocco’s reforms and development initiatives have strengthened its role as a bridge linking Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean and the wider international community. We’re committed to working with our Global South partners to advance solidarity, innovation and resilience. Morocco’s experience in economic modernization, infrastructure and renewable energy offers valuable opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
- Q: You’ve emphasized that the relationship shouldn’t stop at politics and defense. What do you see as the priority for turning that ambition into concrete economic outcomes?
Gilani: We believe the future of Morocco-Pakistan relations isn’t limited to political and defense cooperation — it extends to economic and human development as well. We’ll keep expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange, while encouraging closer people-to-people ties and stronger business connections. Building these bridges between our economic, cultural and academic institutions will give the relationship added momentum and lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive, sustainable partnership.
- Q: To close, what message would you like to convey to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on this Throne Day?
Gilani: On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on this Throne Day. We wish Morocco continued peace, progress and prosperity under the King’s wise leadership. As ambassador, I’ll continue working to deepen our ties through active diplomatic engagement and close cooperation with Moroccan institutions — expanding trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange to elevate this partnership for the benefit of both our peoples.
- Source: 24SAA