Morocco and China to commemorate 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Morocco and China will commemorate on November 1 the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

Morocco is the second Arab and African country after Egypt to set up diplomatic ties with China in 1958.

Relations between the two countries have always been excellent and marked by sound friendship, cooperation and entente.

To give a new momentum to these relations, Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi will visit China next month.Cultural, artistic and commercial events will also be held in both countries to highlight the shared legacy, show their economic potentials and promote their partnership in various sectors of common concern.

Trade exchanges between Morocco and China progressed considerably during the last decade to exceed 1 billion dirhams in 1997, representing a 53 percent increase compared to the previous year.

China is one of Morocco's trade partners and aid donors. It provides the kingdom with valuable technical assistance mainly in the fields of vocational training, traditional medicine, sports and dams infrastructure, silk-worm breeding and tea farming.

Moroccan exports to China are made up mainly of phosphates, fertilizers and chemicals, while its imports consists mostly of tea, machinery, pottery, electronic and electricity products.