The unforgettable speech of Hassan II that shaped sino-moroccan ties
Updated today at 10:42 AM Reading time: 3 minutes.
A single speech delivered decades ago continues to resonate in diplomatic circles between Morocco and China. The words spoken by Hassan II at the United Nations in 1960 laid the foundation for a relationship that would withstand the test of time, culminating in a historic moment when Moulay Hassan warmly greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca in 2024.
A legacy of diplomacy: how Hassan II’s vision shaped sino-moroccan relations
Decades of mutual trust and strategic alignment define the bond between Morocco and China. From the early days of Hassan II’s diplomacy at the United Nations to the 2016 state visit of Mohammed VI to Beijing—exactly ten years ago—the relationship has evolved into a robust ‘strategic partnership’. This enduring alliance was on full display during the 2024 meeting in Casablanca, where Xi Jinping and Moulay Hassan reaffirmed the strength of their ties.
Roots of a lasting partnership
The seeds of sino-moroccan cooperation were sown in the mid-20th century, when Hassan II, then Morocco’s monarch, delivered a landmark speech at the United Nations in 1960. His words not only articulated a vision for international solidarity but also positioned Morocco as a key player in fostering ties between Africa and Asia. This historic address became a cornerstone for future diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
Milestones that defined decades
- 1960: Hassan II delivers a groundbreaking speech at the UN, laying the diplomatic groundwork for sino-moroccan relations.
- 2016: Mohammed VI’s state visit to Beijing marks the formal launch of the ‘strategic partnership’ between Morocco and China, a decade ago.
- 2024: Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Casablanca, greeted by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, symbolizing the continuity and strength of the alliance.
Symbolism and strategic depth
The 2024 meeting in Casablanca was more than a diplomatic formality—it was a reaffirmation of a partnership built on shared interests and mutual respect. The presence of Moulay Hassan, heir to the Moroccan throne, alongside Xi Jinping underscored the depth of the relationship, rooted in decades of trust and collaboration.
Today, the legacy of Hassan II’s vision lives on, shaping a sino-moroccan relationship that continues to grow in influence and significance on the global stage.
