CANBERRA, Aug. 3 — The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Canberra celebrated the 27th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the Throne of His Glorious Ancestors on July 30, with a reception highlighting Morocco’s transformation under the King’s leadership and commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Australia.
Hosted by Morocco’s Ambassador to Australia, Wassane Zailachi, at her official residence, the event brought together representatives of the Australian Government, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, business leaders, members of the Moroccan community, and friends of Morocco.
The celebration underscored Morocco’s achievements over the past 27 years while reaffirming the deepening partnership between Morocco and Australia.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Ambassador Zailachi invited guests to remember “three numbers” that, she said, define Morocco’s journey.
“Today, I ask you to remember three numbers: twelve, fifty and one. Twelve centuries of Moroccan statehood. Fifty years of friendship between Morocco and Australia. And one future that we can build together,” she said.
“Together, they tell Morocco’s story: deeply rooted, yet confident enough to reinvent itself. Under His Majesty King Mohammed VI, history is not where Morocco rests; it is where Morocco begins.”
The Ambassador highlighted Morocco’s emergence as one of Africa’s leading industrial and economic powers, noting that the country now ranks first on the African Development Bank’s 2025 Industrialization Index.
She said Morocco has become Africa’s largest automobile exporter, producing around one million vehicles annually, while the automotive and aerospace sectors now account for more than 40 per cent of the Kingdom’s exports.
“These figures are not trophies,” Ambassador Zailachi said.
“Behind every vehicle, every engine and every container is a worker, an engineer, a family and a young person who can imagine a future at home.”
She also outlined Morocco’s ambitious climate and energy agenda, with renewable energy already contributing 45 per cent of installed electricity capacity and a national target of 52 per cent by 2030. Morocco is also expanding desalination projects to address growing water scarcity while investing in green hydrogen, green ammonia and advanced manufacturing.
The Ambassador pointed to Morocco’s growing digital ambitions, including plans for a renewable energy-powered sovereign artificial intelligence data centre in Dakhla, as well as continued investment in defence technologies and cybersecurity.
Turning to Africa, Ambassador Zailachi described the continent as central to Morocco’s foreign policy.
“For Morocco, Africa is not a market to be conquered. Africa is a family to which we belong.”
She noted Morocco has signed nearly 1,800 cooperation agreements with African partners, become one of the continent’s largest investors, and continues to support regional development through infrastructure, education and trade.
Among the major initiatives highlighted was the Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000-kilometre project spanning 13 countries that aims to strengthen regional energy security and economic development for nearly 400 million people.
The Ambassador also emphasised Morocco’s commitment to international peace and security through United Nations peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism cooperation and humanitarian initiatives.
Reflecting on five decades of diplomatic ties with Australia, Ambassador Zailachi said both nations possess complementary strengths capable of generating significant mutual benefits.
“Our strengths are complementary: Australian expertise in mining, critical minerals, water and agriculture; Moroccan capabilities in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, global markets and Africa.”
She praised the growing economic partnership between the two countries, highlighting Australia’s participation in Morocco’s International Agricultural Exhibition in Meknes and the collaboration between OCP Group and Fortescue on green energy projects.
“Morocco can be Australia’s bridge to Africa. Australia can help Morocco build a greener, more advanced and more resilient economy. Distance is measured in kilometres; potential is measured in ambition.”
Looking to the future, Ambassador Zailachi encouraged stronger investment, innovation and collaboration between the two nations.
Concluding her address, she paid tribute to the Moroccan community in Australia for strengthening the bonds between the two countries.
“To the Moroccan community in Australia: through your work, generosity and love for your homeland, you build this bridge every day. And to our Australian friends: thank you for walking beside us. Let us walk further.”
She closed by returning to the theme of “twelve, fifty and one.”
“Twelve: the centuries that give Morocco its roots. Fifty: the years that have built trust between Morocco and Australia. And one: the shared future that begins with what we choose to do together.”
Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed an authentic Moroccan culinary experience, featuring a selection of traditional Moroccan dishes that showcased the Kingdom’s rich gastronomic heritage, providing a fitting conclusion to an evening celebrating Morocco’s culture, history and enduring friendship with Australia.
