Morocco and Hungary have traditionally enjoyed close economic and cultural relations that have had a significant impact on the economy, culture and people’s lives.
In our interview we asked to the Moroccan embassy to share their perspectives about the common and future goals of the relationship between Morocco and Hungary, and the role that Morocco plays in the various of cooperation between the two countries.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Karima Kabbaj, Ambassador of Morocco in Hungary, kindly agreed to talk about the close diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. We would like to thank H.E Mrs. Karima Kabbaj for taking the time to answer our questions.
- Could you briefly talk about the bilateral relations between Marocco and Hungary?
Hungary has always been an important partner and an excellent ally of Morocco internationally and regionally. The bilateral relations between Morocco and Hungary are excellent and know important dynamics. They are governed by wide range of agreements that cover several and diverse areas of cooperation namely, agriculture, industry, education, culture, sport, transport, scientific research, judicial cooperation and in the field of archives.
The increasing pace of exchanges of high-level visits on both sides in recent years has given a new momentum to bilateral relations between the two sides, and allowed the establishment of a regular political dialogue at the Governmental level.
We can also witness a growth of the relations at the parliamentary level. In recent years, there has been a regular exchange of meetings between the Speakers of the Parliaments of Hungary and Morocco. Also we have recently renewed the Parliamentary friendship group between Hungary and Morocco.
2. What are the main sectors of cooperation between the two countries?
The relations between the two countries are strong and reinforced by varied segment of agreement in different fields of cooperation. They are also extended to a mutual interest in continuing to expand and develop sectorial cooperation, notably in terms of renewables energies, sustainable development, digitalization, water and waste-
water management, health, agriculture, information technology, as well as Academic and scientific research field.
During the fourth session of the Joint Economic Commission held in Budapest last year, the two parties agreed to identify new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with their national priorities. Therefore, Morocco and Hungary are committed to even further encourage cooperation and promote investment
opportunities for companies from both sides.
- Could you elaborate on how Morocco and Hungary cooperate in the field of culture,
science and education?
The cooperation in science and education knows great momentum. In this regard, and thanks to the Hungarian authorities, they offer a great opportunity to Moroccan students, through Stipendium Hungaricum program, that was renewed and signed last January and which was the occasion to increase the number of scholarships
offered to 165 yearly, with a vision to even further grow the number of the beneficiaries.
This is very important for Moroccan students who are enrolled under the SH programs, which later become envoys that promote inter-human connections, hence contribute significantly to enhancing the cooperation between our both countries.
Also, Morocco offers 15 scholarships for Hungarian students interested in pursuing their studies in the Moroccan public universities in different fields notably, medical studies, trade and management, engineering and technology sciences, literature and so on.
With regard to cultural cooperation, different activities are to be organized jointly with the Hungarian side in order to bring about the Moroccan culture to our Hungarian friends. For instance, couple of weeks ago the Embassy organized in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary as well as with Corvinus University, two lectures on the role of Morocco in Africa, as well as the contribution
of Morocco to the stability of the region.
We have also participated to the Arab Cultural Day, organized by the Council of Arab Ambassadors, which was an opportunity to show the Hungarian friends the diversified cultural heritage of Morocco and other Arab countries. We took part in the famous diplomatic fair as well, which was an occasion to showcase different cosmetic products from Morocco and made with Moroccan ingredients such as Argan Oil. We also participated in the “Week of Francophonie”, with a Moroccan movie called “Queens”, which remarkably was full housed during the two days when it was screened at the famous Urania National Film Theatre, besides the guests were also able to taste and enjoy the Moroccan cuisine.
- Could you elaborate on the diplomatic engagements between the two countries and
the common foreign policy goals?
The historic relationship between Morocco and Hungary, which celebrates its 64th diplomatic anniversary this year, relies on friendship, mutual respect and shared interest of peace and prosperity with a joint vision and will to even further deepen the excellent relations that exist already.
Both countries also enjoy mutual support within international and regional organizations, such as the European parliament, Council of Europe and also within the United Nations’ different bodies.
In addition, Morocco and Hungary have a regular political coordination on matters of common interest at the level of international and regional fora. They both agree on the importance of maintaining stability, security and peace in their respective regions, as well as with regard to peaceful conflict resolution and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
- Could you briefly summarize Morocco’s role in the Eastern and Central European
region?
Morocco is considered as a credible and responsible partner of the Višegrad group or (V4 group) and as a key player in regional stability, in the promotion of peace and coexistence, in the fight against terrorism and in the development of the African continent.
As part of a vision sought by HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco seeks to turn Hungary into the central platform for Morocco to facilitate its access to central and eastern Europe, with an aim to develop regular dialogue with international partners in the V4+1 format on topics of common interest.
In this regard, the very first V4+Morocco meeting, held at the level of Foreign Ministers in Budapest in 2021, under the Hungarian presidency, and which is also part of the Kingdom’s policy of geographic diversification of its international partners, set the stage for establishing a comprehensive cooperation in various priority areas for all parties.
With this in mind, the aforementioned meeting was an opportunity to highlight the promising prospects for cooperation between the parties, and the potential of Morocco as a development pole and gateway to the African continent in order to develop triangular cooperation initiatives between the Višegrad Group as a platform to Central and Eastern Europe and Morocco in favour of Africa.
The parties to the meeting also expressed their willingness to explore ways to further develop relations between the Kingdom and the V4 in various fields and to raise them to the level of a rich and multifaceted partnership including the participation of the private sector.
- What are the institutions supporting business development between the two
countries (business clubs, trade agencies, governmental offices)?
In the spirit of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation, Morocco and Hungary held in 2022, the Moroccan-Hungarian Business Forum in Casablanca, and signed an MoU between the General Confederation of Moroccan Businesses (CGEM) and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) on the establishment of the Moroccan-Hungarian Business Council.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Investments and Exports (AMDIE) and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), in order to develop and promote investments and trade between Morocco and Hungary.
7. Plans for the future ?
Different activities are on the pipeline with regards to high level visits from both countries as well as cultural and promotional activities.
We are willing to organize this year, a joint exhibition and a lecture, with Hapsburg Foundation and the Archives of Morocco, to commemorate the deep relations that existed between Hungary and Morocco.
In light of the recent visit of a group of Hungarian Businessmen to Morocco, with a vision to explore ways of enhancing the business cooperation, both countries are looking at organizing a joint Business Forum to boost bilateral trade and investment.
Also and to highlight the importance of the harmonious coexisting of religion in Morocco, the Embassy will organize soon an exhibition celebrating the cohabitation of Muslims, Jewish and Christians in Morocco throughout history.
If you are interested in Bilateral relations, you might find interesting also the interview with HE Ambassador of Estonia Raul Toomas.
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