Vietnam–Morocco Ties Poised for Expansion as NA Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn Prepares for Official Visit

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The upcoming official visit by National Assembly (NA) Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn to Morocco, at the invitation of Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami, reflects the shared political will of Vietnam and Morocco to strengthen and expand their strategic partnership. This was affirmed by Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam, Jamale Chouaibi, in a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency.

Ambassador Chouaibi described the visit as a testament to the deep mutual respect and shared values that underpin the bilateral relationship, with both nations committed to peace, diplomacy, and South–South cooperation as key tools for sustainable development.

Highlighting similarities between the two countries, the ambassador emphasized their strong support for United Nations peacekeeping missions. Morocco is among the largest contributors of peacekeeping forces in Africa, while Vietnam has emerged as a key participant in Central Africa and South Sudan since 2014.

Chouaibi praised Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic transformation, noting that many African countries view Vietnam as a model for development. He also pointed to the strategic geographical positioning of both nations—Morocco as a gateway to Africa and Europe, and Vietnam as a vital entry point to Southeast Asia through its leadership role in ASEAN.

The ambassador underscored the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the 1940s and 1950s when Moroccan soldiers, brought to Vietnam during the colonial period, joined the Vietnamese resistance movement. The Moroccan Gate in Ba Vì, on the outskirts of Hanoi, and its counterpart near Kenitra in Morocco stand as symbolic monuments to this shared history.

Parliamentary cooperation has become a pillar of bilateral relations, with regular high-level exchanges fostering broader collaboration. The ambassador expressed gratitude to Vietnam for supporting Morocco’s observer status in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly since 2020, during Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

Looking forward, Chouaibi highlighted several sectors ripe for enhanced cooperation, including digital transformation, renewable energy, the circular economy, and industrial development. He noted that discussions are underway on establishing twinning port relationships and direct maritime routes to boost trade and connectivity.

The ambassador also identified finance as a priority sector and expressed hope that Chairman Mẫn’s visit would include a business forum to promote economic collaboration. He emphasized the complementarity of the two economies—Morocco’s strengths in renewable energy, the automotive industry, and fisheries, and Vietnam’s expertise in agriculture, electronics, and processing industries—as a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.

Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s visit is expected to mark a new chapter in Vietnam–Morocco relations, underpinned by historical solidarity and driven by a shared vision for economic growth and international partnership.