Casablanca, Morocco – November 21, 2024
In a significant diplomatic gesture, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Casablanca on Thursday evening, following High Instructions from His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The Chinese leader’s short visit underscores the strengthening ties and growing partnership between Morocco and China.
A Grand Welcome
President Xi Jinping arrived at Mohammed V International Airport, where Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan personally received him. The welcoming ceremony included a formal greeting from the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and a review of the Royal Guard.
Dignitaries such as the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Mohamed Mhidia, and other regional leaders joined in extending their hospitality, alongside Chinese officials, including Ambassador Li Changlin and members of President Xi’s delegation.
At the VIP lounge entrance, the President participated in the traditional Moroccan offering of milk and dates, symbolizing hospitality and friendship.
A Strategic Partnership in Focus
President Xi Jinping’s visit builds on the landmark Sino-Moroccan strategic partnership established during King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to China in 2016. Over the years, this collaboration has deepened across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, technology, and cultural exchange.
The Chinese delegation accompanying President Xi reflects the importance of the visit, featuring high-ranking officials such as Cai Qi, a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party, Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Hua Chunying, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This meeting in Casablanca highlights Morocco’s growing role as a strategic partner for China in Africa and the Arab world. It also reaffirms the commitment of both nations to fostering closer ties in alignment with their shared values of cooperation and mutual respect.
The visit, though brief, is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration and a deeper alignment of strategic goals between the two countries.
