Diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Philippines are built upon a robust foundation, ripe for further development across various strategic sectors, affirmed Leslie Baja, the Philippine Ambassador to Rabat. He expressed satisfaction with the five decades of diplomatic ties that the two nations celebrated last year.

In a recent interview, Ambassador Baja underscored the rich trajectory shared by Morocco and the Philippines, characterized by high-level exchanges, the signing of numerous agreements, and the cultivation of strong human connections. He views these as essential pillars for the next fifty years of cooperation.

Economically, the Philippine diplomat noted a remarkable expansion in bilateral trade over recent years. He highlighted that trade between the two countries has grown by approximately 50%, although he acknowledged that current figures still fall short of the full potential envisioned by both parties.

Ambassador Baja emphasized the complementary strengths of Morocco, serving as a vital gateway to Africa and Europe, and the Philippines, an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These strategic positions, he believes, are conducive to fostering enhanced economic collaboration.

He specifically pointed to untapped opportunities in key sectors such as agro-industry, aeronautics, electronics, and textiles. The Ambassador also reminded that the Philippines stands as a significant importer of Moroccan phosphate, illustrating an existing strong trade link.

Turning to prospects for regional cooperation, Ambassador Baja lauded the sectoral partnership agreement forged in 2023 between Morocco and ASEAN. He considers this agreement to open a broad spectrum of collaborative avenues, both bilaterally and across the wider region.

Regarding the Royal Atlantic Initiative, which aims to facilitate Atlantic Ocean access for Sahel states, Ambassador Baja remarked that this initiative significantly bolsters African regional integration. He drew parallels with the successful experience of ASEAN, foreseeing positive economic, political, and social repercussions for the continent.

“Africa’s regional integration will undoubtedly benefit the continent economically and even politically, contributing to a more politically stable, economically resilient, and culturally flourishing Africa,” he observed, emphasizing the broader impact on governance Africa and society Africa.

Concerning Manila’s unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces, the Ambassador recalled that during the visit of the Philippine Foreign Minister to Morocco in 2022, the Philippines affirmed the Moroccan Initiative as a “sound basis” for achieving a resolution to this dispute.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 represents a “game changer” in this matter, Ambassador Baja stated, expressing optimism for the political process to reach a successful conclusion. He also reiterated his country’s commitment to the UN-led efforts aimed at finding a definitive solution to the issue.

Furthermore, Ambassador Baja discussed an upcoming book dedicated to the history of Morocco-Philippines relations, scheduled for presentation this Thursday. He explained that this initiative seeks to chronicle a half-century of cooperation and spotlight the contributions made by Moroccans and Filipinos in strengthening the bonds between their respective peoples.

According to him, this publication goes beyond a mere recounting of historical facts, offering instead a profound testament to the human connections that have cemented the relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines.