- ISSI Event Highlights Historic Ties, Morocco’s Transformation and Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
Islamabad – The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized a special event to commemorate Morocco’s Enthronement Day.
and Dr. Amina Khan
Morocco’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Karmoune, was the Chief Guest, while Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as Guest of Honor. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR; Syed Adil Gillani, Ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI; Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General ISSI; and Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, also addressed the gathering.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Moin Ul Haque highlighted the rich history and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Morocco. He paid tribute to Morocco’s distinguished civilizational heritage and its remarkable transformation and modernization under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune highlighted Morocco’s significant economic and social progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly in industry, tourism, renewable energy and investment. He described Pakistan-Morocco relations as historic and brotherly, founded on more than seven decades of mutual respect, trust and cooperation. He noted the growing political and institutional engagement between the two countries, including high-level exchanges and coordination at international forums, and reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation and pursuing shared development objectives.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed underscored the historic bonds between Pakistan and Morocco, recalling Pakistan’s support for Morocco’s struggle for independence and Morocco’s important role in the establishment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He also highlighted Morocco’s rich history, cultural heritage and renowned hospitality, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Ambassador Syed Adil Gillani highlighted the deep-rooted and brotherly Pakistan-Morocco relationship, noting the growing momentum in bilateral ties through high-level exchanges during 2026. He emphasized expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment, education, security and tourism. He also underscored Morocco’s important regional and African role and its significance for Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy, while highlighting close coordination between the two countries at multilateral forums.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan highlighted Morocco’s achievements in peace and security, tourism, foreign direct investment and infrastructure development. He particularly praised the country’s thriving tourism sector, which recorded 18 million tourist arrivals and approximately $14 billion in tourism revenue last year. He also identified significant opportunities for enhanced Pakistan-Morocco cooperation in agriculture, food security, education, water management and waste management.
Dr. Amina Khan, in her opening remarks, highlighted Morocco’s remarkable progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and its growing role across Africa. She emphasized the historic and cordial relations between Pakistan and Morocco, describing Morocco as a key partner in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen engagement with the African continent.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood emphasized Morocco’s strategic position as a bridge between Sub-Saharan Africa and the wider world. He highlighted promising opportunities for Pakistan in trade, investment, industry and other sectors, while reaffirming the shared desire to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. He also commended the Embassy of Morocco for its efforts to showcase the country’s rich culture and heritage and to bring the peoples of Pakistan and Morocco closer together.
BY: The Times Union
