The foundation of Morocco-Philippines relations holds significant potential across multiple strategic areas, according to Philippine Ambassador to Rabat Leslie Baja. He praised the five decades of diplomatic ties celebrated last year.
In an interview, Ambassador Baja noted that both nations have traveled a rich path featuring high-level visits, numerous agreements, and strong people-to-people connections, which he described as “the foundations for the next fifty years of cooperation.”
On the economic front, the Philippine diplomat highlighted a notable increase in bilateral trade in recent years. Trade between the two countries has risen by approximately 50%, though volumes still fall short of the expectations of both sides.
Baja assessed that Morocco, as a gateway to Africa and Europe, and the Philippines, as an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), possess complementary advantages that can drive greater economic cooperation.
He highlighted opportunities in agro-industry, aeronautics, electronics, and textiles, and recalled that the Philippines is a major importer of Moroccan phosphate.
Discussing regional cooperation, the ambassador welcomed the sectoral partnership agreement signed in 2023 between Morocco and ASEAN, saying it opens wide possibilities for collaboration both bilaterally and regionally.
Regarding the Royal Atlantic Initiative to facilitate Sahel states’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, Baja said it strengthens African regional integration, similar to ASEAN’s experience, bringing positive economic, political, and social impacts.
“Africa’s regional integration will certainly benefit the continent economically and politically, making Africa more politically stable, economically resilient, and culturally flourishing,” he observed.
On Manila’s support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Southern Provinces, the ambassador recalled that during the 2022 visit of the Philippine foreign minister to Morocco, the Philippines stated that the Moroccan initiative is a “good basis” for resolving the dispute.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 is a “game changer” in this matter, Baja noted, expressing hope for the political process to succeed. He also reaffirmed his country’s support for the UN-led process to reach a definitive solution.
Additionally, Baja discussed a book dedicated to the history of Morocco-Philippines relations, set to be presented on Thursday. He explained it aims to trace half a century of cooperation and highlight the contributions of Moroccans and Filipinos in bringing the two peoples closer. According to him, the book goes beyond historical facts to offer a testament to the human bonds that have strengthened relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines.
