Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca

Casablanca — Acting under the High Instructions of King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan extended a warm welcome to the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, during his brief visit to Morocco on Thursday evening.

According to MAP, Xi Jinping traveled to Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and before returning home, he planned a stopover in Morocco to meet Prince Moulay Hassan in Casablanca. The fact that the Chinese leader made a place for Morocco in his agenda, after returning from a very important summit, shows the international scope of the North African country for the great international powers, including China.

A Grand Welcome at Mohammed V International Airport

Upon his arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, President Xi was greeted personally by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. The warm reception set the tone for the visit, emphasizing the strong ties between Morocco and China.

Following the Crown Prince’s welcome, President Xi was received by Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, before inspecting a ceremonial detachment of the Royal Guard.

The two leaders were also introduced to several key Moroccan officials, including:

• Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region and Governor of the Casablanca Prefecture,
• Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council,
• Jalal Benhayoun, Governor of the Province of Nouaceur,
• Mohammed Salmani, President of the Provincial Council of Nouaceur, and
• Abdelaziz Radi, President of the Municipality of Nouaceur.

From the Chinese delegation, President Xi was accompanied by prominent figures, including:

• Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC),
• Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs,
• Hua Chunying, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also present to greet the Chinese leader were:

• Li Changlin, China’s Ambassador to Morocco,
• Zhou Zhicheng, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy,
• Xia Kelin, Military Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, and
• Zheng Wei, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

This visit symbolizes the robust friendship and collaboration between Morocco and China, which has deepened significantly under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping. The Sino-Moroccan strategic partnership was first established during King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to China in May 2016, paving the way for closer economic, cultural, and political ties.

President Xi’s stopover highlights the shared commitment of both nations to furthering this partnership. It underscores Morocco’s pivotal role as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and major global powers like China.

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