Rabat - Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his visit to Morocco on Friday afternoon, departing from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. The brief visit aimed to reinforce the growing cooperation between Morocco and China.
The Chinese leader was seen off at the airport by Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch. A ceremonial guard of honor from Morocco’s Royal Navy was also present for the occasion.
Senior Moroccan officials, including Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, and Abdellatif Maazouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, also bid farewell to the Chinese leader.
Local officials were also present, including Jalal Benhayoun, Governor of Nouaceur Province, and Abdelaziz Radi, President of the Nouaceur Commune. Members of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Morocco, such as Ambassador Li Changlin and Military Attaché Xia Kelin, accompanied President Xi during the farewell.
President Xi landed in Morocco yesterday accompanied by a high-ranking Chinese delegation, which included Cai Qi, a senior member of the Politburo Standing Committee, and Wang Yi, Director of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs. The Chinese delegation described Morocco as a strategic partner during their discussions.
During his meeting with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan on Thursday evening, the Chinese President spoke of the mutual respect and support the two countries share on issues of mutual interest. He also recalled King Mohammed VI’s state visit to China in 2016, which he said took Chinese-Moroccan relations to a new level.
Xi said his country is ready to continue working with Morocco to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. He also spoke of his country’s commitment to advancing practical cooperation in various sectors under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.