HIBAPRESS – Ahmed Sabbar
HIBAPRESS website hosted in its new episode of the "HIBAPRESS Podcast" the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Comoros to Morocco, Yahya Mohamed Ilyas, in a deep political and diplomatic interview that addressed the reality of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the prospects for upgrading them to higher levels, in a regional and international context that is witnessing rapid transformations.
At the beginning of the episode, the ambassador highlighted the level of fraternal relations that unite the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Comoros, stressing that they are relations that go beyond the traditional diplomatic character towards a strategic partnership based on trust, political rapprochement and a unified vision towards regional issues, and at the forefront of which is the continuous support of Comoros for the territorial integrity of Morocco.
He pointed out, during his speech, that the current stage is witnessing renewed dynamics as a result of the high directives of the leadership in the two countries, which makes bilateral cooperation a model for African solidarity and for the South-South partnership spirit that Morocco defends in its foreign policies.
The ambassador explained, regarding the common priorities, that his country aspires to expand the areas of cooperation with Morocco in several sectors, most notably training and capacity building, security, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and investment.
He also confirmed that the current stage requires doubling coordination on economic and development files, especially in light of Moroni's desire to benefit from the Moroccan experience in territorial governance, digital administration, and social programs.
The economic aspect was a major focus in the interview, as the ambassador stressed that Comoros is working today to improve the business climate by simplifying administrative procedures, providing tax and tax incentives for investors, and opening new sectors to partners, especially, tourism and hospitality, renewable energies, fisheries and the valorization of marine resources, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics services.
The ambassador pointed out that the Moroccan investor possesses all the elements to benefit from these opportunities, given Morocco's strong presence in the African continent and the experience of its companies in implementing major development projects.
The ambassador confirmed, regarding the cultural and educational aspect, that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing activity through Moroccan university scholarships for Comorian students, cultural exchange programs, in addition to the activities organized by the Comoros embassy to introduce the Moroccan public to the rich Comorian heritage, stressing the growing role of cultural diplomacy in promoting rapprochement between peoples, considering that culture constitutes an essential bridge for modern diplomacy, especially in light of the similarity of social and religious values between the two peoples.
The ambassador addressed the issue of immigration as a sensitive topic that requires a balanced vision, stressing the need to organize immigration and enhance the social integration of the Comorian community residing in Morocco, explaining that cooperation between the Comorian consular interests and the Moroccan authorities is going well, and that work is underway to develop accompanying programs for the community, especially students, in the fields of education, training, and health.
In the axis of regional and international politics, the ambassador noted the great match in positions between Rabat and Moroni within the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, and pointed out that the two countries are working to strengthen Africa's presence on the international arena, especially in issues related to maritime security, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation.
At the conclusion of the podcast, the ambassador presented a future-oriented vision for Moroccan-Comorian relations, confirming that the coming years will be a stage of consolidating a strong economic partnership, strengthening cultural and educational cooperation, expanding diplomatic coordination, in addition to exploring new areas of cooperation in technology, energy, and higher education and a number of areas where partnership agreements were signed in the city of Dakhla, south of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The ambassador concluded that Morocco is a strategic partner for his country, and that Moroni is betting on this cooperation to achieve an economic and development renaissance, while Morocco sees in Comoros a friendly country and a trusted ally in the Indian Ocean and the African continent.
