Morocco and China 45 years of diplomatic relations

China's embassy in Morocco held on Friday a function marking 45 years of Moroccan-Chinese diplomatic relations.

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, said Morocco is proud of the understanding that has always characterized Morocco's ties with China, a "friend country that we have always admired and respected." During the ceremony, held in the presence of minister of finance and privatization, Fathallah Oulaalou, minister of health, Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah and Chinese ambassador to Rabat, Cheng Tao, Benaissa said the ever-growing number of business missions traveling between the two countries and the implementation of bilateral agreements during recent years evidence the reciprocal interest Moroccan and Chinese give to enhancing bilateral bonds.

"Morocco and China are closely bound by a sincere and deep friendship, and the kingdom is among the first African countries to have established diplomatic ties with China in 1958, the Chinese diplomat said, adding that during these 45 years, bilateral cooperation at the political, economic and cultural levels has been fruitful.

Tao also lauded Morocco's support to China's reunification and voiced his country's will to "work hand in hand with Moroccan friends" to deepen bilateral cooperation and consolidate friendship ties.