Doha - King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, held a phone conversation on December 10 to discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).
During the call, the two leaders also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest. Sheikh Tamim renewed his well-wishes to the Moroccan monarch following his recent successful surgery.
The conversation comes amid strengthening ties between Morocco and Qatar, which established diplomatic relations in 1972. Qatar has emerged as one of the largest foreign investors in Morocco, ranking fifth in direct foreign investment as of 2016.
The two countries established a $2 billion joint venture fund in 2011, with both partners contributing equal funding.
The relationship has seen significant development in 2024, with Morocco being named Qatar’s Years of Culture partner.
The initiative, launched by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani in 2012, includes more than 80 events across both countries throughout the year. This marks Qatar’s first one-on-one cultural partnership with a North African nation.
This year’s program includes photography exchanges, artisan residencies, public workshops, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and sporting events.
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with leading organizations from both countries, supported by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and respective embassies.
Recent cultural exchanges include the “Caftan Fashion Show” held at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, where Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Sheikha Al Mayassa presided over a special dinner celebrating Moroccan haute couture.
The show featured ten Moroccan designers whose collections were inspired by ghazal poetry – old amatory Arabic verses – and Arabic calligraphy.
In October, the collaboration extended to Marrakech, where both royal figures hosted the Fashion Trust Arabia gala at El Badi Palace.
The event, aimed at promoting Arab creators, included the presentation of awards across various categories and the announcement of the Qatar Fashion Craft Council’s establishment.
The bilateral relationship has shown resilience through diplomatic challenges. During the 2017 Qatari diplomatic crisis, Morocco maintained neutrality and offered to mediate the dispute, even sending humanitarian aid to Qatar.
During the crisis, King Mohammed VI visited Doha, where he was received by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Hamad International Airport. The visit, which followed a five-day stay in the UAE, was seen as part of Morocco’s diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Gulf crisis.
In September 2023, the relationship was further strengthened when Qatar sent rescue teams and urgent medical aid to Morocco following Al-Haouz devastating 7-magnitude earthquake.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry reported that King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to Qatar and other countries for their support during the crisis. The Qatari International Search and Rescue Group, equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment, participated in relief operations.
The countries have also aligned on regional issues, with Qatar supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. In October, Qatar’s UN representative Jassim Al-Thani described it as a “constructive initiative” for resolving the regional dispute.
Trade volume between the two countries reached $70 million in 2015, and Qatar has participated in significant aid initiatives, including a $1.25 billion pledge to Morocco in 2013 as part of a larger GCC aid package.
During the call, the two leaders also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest. Sheikh Tamim renewed his well-wishes to the Moroccan monarch following his recent successful surgery.
The conversation comes amid strengthening ties between Morocco and Qatar, which established diplomatic relations in 1972. Qatar has emerged as one of the largest foreign investors in Morocco, ranking fifth in direct foreign investment as of 2016.
The two countries established a $2 billion joint venture fund in 2011, with both partners contributing equal funding.
The relationship has seen significant development in 2024, with Morocco being named Qatar’s Years of Culture partner.
The initiative, launched by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani in 2012, includes more than 80 events across both countries throughout the year. This marks Qatar’s first one-on-one cultural partnership with a North African nation.
This year’s program includes photography exchanges, artisan residencies, public workshops, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and sporting events.
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with leading organizations from both countries, supported by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and respective embassies.
Recent cultural exchanges include the “Caftan Fashion Show” held at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, where Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Sheikha Al Mayassa presided over a special dinner celebrating Moroccan haute couture.
The show featured ten Moroccan designers whose collections were inspired by ghazal poetry – old amatory Arabic verses – and Arabic calligraphy.
In October, the collaboration extended to Marrakech, where both royal figures hosted the Fashion Trust Arabia gala at El Badi Palace.
The event, aimed at promoting Arab creators, included the presentation of awards across various categories and the announcement of the Qatar Fashion Craft Council’s establishment.
The bilateral relationship has shown resilience through diplomatic challenges. During the 2017 Qatari diplomatic crisis, Morocco maintained neutrality and offered to mediate the dispute, even sending humanitarian aid to Qatar.
During the crisis, King Mohammed VI visited Doha, where he was received by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Hamad International Airport. The visit, which followed a five-day stay in the UAE, was seen as part of Morocco’s diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Gulf crisis.
In September 2023, the relationship was further strengthened when Qatar sent rescue teams and urgent medical aid to Morocco following Al-Haouz devastating 7-magnitude earthquake.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry reported that King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to Qatar and other countries for their support during the crisis. The Qatari International Search and Rescue Group, equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment, participated in relief operations.
The countries have also aligned on regional issues, with Qatar supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. In October, Qatar’s UN representative Jassim Al-Thani described it as a “constructive initiative” for resolving the regional dispute.
Trade volume between the two countries reached $70 million in 2015, and Qatar has participated in significant aid initiatives, including a $1.25 billion pledge to Morocco in 2013 as part of a larger GCC aid package.
