* This article was automatically translated from the Arabic version of the HIBA PRESS website *
Heba Press/. Rabat
The Moroccan Postal Group and the Portuguese Postal Company launched, Monday in Lisbon, a special edition of two postage stamps in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Peace Treaty and the 30th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation between Morocco and Portugal.
The symbolic illustration of this number, which was presented during a ceremony organized at the headquarters of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by the Moroccan ambassador to Portugal, Othman Aba Hanini, the head of the Portuguese Post, João Pinto, and the Portuguese Secretary of State The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nuno Sampaio, highlights the distinction in the historical relations between the two countries.
The first postage stamp depicts an image of the historic commercial square of Lisbon with a statue of King José I, who signed the first treaty in 1774, while the second stamp is decorated with an image of the historic site “Sakala El Port », which is an essential element of the defensive architecture of the ancient city of Essaouira, built by Sultan Mohammed bin Abdullah, second signatory of the treaty.
On this occasion, Mr. Aba Hanini indicated that this joint publication between Poste Maroc and Poste Portugal, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, “embodies the depth of the ancient historical ties between the Kingdom and the Republic of Portugal. ,” noting that the two institutions “inspired the illustrations from the depths of the historical roots of relations between the two countries. » The two countries designed and issued two postage stamps of great symbolism and artistic value.
The Moroccan diplomat stressed that the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the peace treaty is an opportunity to highlight the place occupied by Morocco and Portugal in the collective memory of Moroccans and Portuguese, thanks to history, geography and the human, cultural and economic relationships that unite them. have been developed over the centuries, affirming that “our common history and the heritage that unites us are a common agreement which constitutes a historical basis for current Moroccan-Portuguese relations”.
He continued by saying that the revival of this heritage “reflects the way in which our two countries were able, with wisdom and clarity of vision, to overcome the passing challenges of our history, to establish a wonderful cultural heritage which serves to build a strong relationship, based on understanding and understanding. respect for common interests. The richness and diversity of these relations, as well as the consultation mechanisms that have been put in place, have added a dynamic character to the relationship between our two countries.
He concluded that “in a contemporary world that is experiencing rapid changes and increasing challenges in terms of stability, escalation of tensions and the spread of hatred and wars, our two countries, which have had a common history, embody a unique example of betting on peace, celebrating what brings us together and resolutely working to preserve the heritage of the past in order to teach it and pass it on to future generations.
For his part, the director of the Portuguese Post, João Pinto, stressed that “cooperation in the field of postage stamps between the postal institutions of Portugal and Morocco is not new today, and has always been characterized through friendly relations”, adding that “this cooperation continues in a vital and tangible way, since Morocco, which currently leads the philately sector of the Mediterranean Postal Union, receives the permanent support of the Portuguese Post to implement the measures which it has committed to taking for the period 2023-2025. »
He mentioned that during the year 2007, “the first common stamp was issued between the two countries, and the issue was linked to the historical presence of Portugal in Morocco and Morocco in Portugal.” After 17 years, today we present a new issue of joint postage stamps, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the 1774 Treaty and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the 1994 Treaty, which are two essential documents to strengthen relations distinguished between these two countries. two neighbors who share a lot in common.
Mr. Pinto stressed that “it is rare for two countries, even neighbors, to issue two common stamps in less than 20 years, which makes the event that brings us together today very special.”
As for the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nuno Sampaio, in turn underlined that “the launch of two commemorative stamps to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the peace treaty between Portugal and Morocco, which constitutes a very important historical event, not only embodies an essential stage in our common history, but it is also a strong reminder of the relations “of the strong bond that binds our two countries over the centuries. »
He stressed that Portugal and Morocco “are linked by a long common history, due to geographical proximity and a common heritage in which the fields of art, culture, language and culture converge. “architecture”, stressing that this heritage “is also reflected in the quality and intensity of our bilateral relations, which cover a wide range of areas, notably in the political, economic and cultural fields
