Morocco and Argentina: 65 Years of Strong and Strategic Diplomatic Relations
This year, Morocco and Argentina celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations characterized by resilience and continuity, as confirmed by Morocco’s Ambassador in Buenos Aires, Faris Yesser, during an academic conference organized at the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI) titled: “Morocco-Argentina: 65 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Achievements and Opportunities.”
The ambassador emphasized that the secret to this robust partnership lies in mutual trust and respect, along with the deep human and cultural ties between the two peoples. He recalled the arrival of the first waves of Moroccan Jewish immigrants to Argentina in the 19th century, particularly from cities like Tetouan, and their role in the country’s economic, educational, and cultural life.
He pointed out that the official diplomatic relations, established in 1960, have been strengthened by continuous dialogue and high-level visits, such as the visit of former Argentine President Carlos Menem to Morocco and King Mohammed VI’s visit to Argentina in 2004.
Over the past decades, the two countries have forged a partnership based on economic integration, political trust, and mutual support in international forums. The ambassador highlighted the significance of recent meetings, particularly the visit of an Argentine economic delegation to Morocco, which included companies from the pharmaceutical and technology sectors.
In his presentation, Faris Yesser described Morocco as a stable and strategic country that has chosen to look westward while maintaining its African and Arab identity, showcasing the Moroccan development model based on economic diversification and major infrastructure projects (ports, highways, airports, and high-speed trains), alongside key industrial sectors such as automotive and aviation.
He stressed Morocco’s geostrategic position as an air and logistics hub, with the cities of Casablanca and Tangier-Med as main centers. He also addressed tourism, renewable energies, and Morocco’s “soft power,” as demonstrated by its historic achievement during the 2022 World Cup and preparations for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the World Cup in 2030 in partnership with Spain and Portugal.
The ambassador highlighted Morocco’s active diplomacy and achievements regarding the Sahara issue, marked by recognition from several global powers of Morocco’s sovereignty over the region and the Kingdom’s return to the African Union in 2017.
For his part, Mariano Simón Badros, Director of Economic Relations with Africa and the Middle East at the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that trade exchanges between the two countries are experiencing continuous growth, describing their partnership as “solid and complementary.” He noted that Morocco has become Argentina’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and its third-largest export destination on the continent.
Both sides affirmed that these 65 years of cooperation represent a foundation for a new beginning towards a more balanced and ambitious partnership focused on sustainable development and shared prosperity.
