Rabat hosts vibrant celebrations marking 65 years of Moroccan-Vietnamese diplomatic ties
The Embassy of Vietnam in Rabat, in collaboration with the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Army Members, orchestrated a special day-long event to commemorate six and a half decades of unbreakable diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The festivities unfolded on a recent Friday, setting the stage for cultural exchanges and strategic discussions.
The highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of a compelling exhibition titled “President Hô Chi Minh – Icon of Peace and International Friendship”. On display until June 26, the showcase traces the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revered independence leader, whose vision was rooted in peace, sovereignty, and cross-border collaboration. The exhibition features rare documents, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate his enduring influence on global diplomacy.
This landmark celebration received support from the Morocco-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Hô Chi Minh Memorial Site under Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. A key component was an academic seminar focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across diplomacy, trade, education, culture, and human exchanges. The discussions emphasized practical steps to deepen collaboration and unlock new opportunities for both nations.
During the opening address, Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Army Members—and also President of the Morocco-Vietnam Friendship Association—reflected on the historic and strategic significance of the partnership. He described the event as a powerful symbol of shared values, forged through resilience and a common aspiration for freedom. “This celebration is more than a milestone; it’s proof that two nations can build lasting bonds through mutual respect and shared ideals,” he stated.
El Ktiri also revisited a poignant symbol of the two countries’ enduring connection: the Vietnam Gate inaugurated in Kénitra in 2022. This structure mirrors Morocco’s Gate of Bà Vi, creating a pair of twin monuments that bridge continents and generations. Both serve as enduring testaments to the friendship between the peoples of Morocco and Vietnam.
Le Kim Quy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Morocco, spoke about the rapid growth in bilateral relations, noting a surge in high-level visits and meetings over recent years. “The trust and commitment we’ve built together are now translating into real progress,” she said. She pointed to remarkable economic progress, with bilateral trade reaching $390 million in 2025—a figure underscoring the strength of the partnership. Beyond commerce, she highlighted thriving exchanges in education, culture, and decentralized cooperation between local governments in both countries.
The day’s events culminated in the inauguration of the Hô Chi Minh Library, a new cultural space housing books in French, English, and Arabic. The collection, donated by the Vietnamese leader’s memorial site, offers a rich resource for researchers and the public, deepening cultural understanding between the two nations.
