On May 11, 2016, President Xi Jinping held talks with King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state decided to establish China-Morocco strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, opening a new chapter of bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Morocco was one of the first African and Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 58 years ago, China-Morocco relations have been developing continuously under the joint efforts of both sides. The establishment of China-Morocco strategic partnership marks a milestone in the development of bilateral relations, and bilateral cooperation in all areas will embrace new opportunities.
Xi Jinping stressed that China always attaches importance to developing relations with Morocco, firmly supports Morocco's efforts in maintaining national stability and realizing social and economic development, and appreciates Morocco's adherence to the One-China policy and its firm support for China in major issues concerning China's core interests. The Chinese and Moroccan economies are highly complementary and enjoy huge potential for cooperation. China is willing to actively participate in Morocco's industrial revitalization plan, encourage capable Chinese companies to join in Morocco's major infrastructure construction projects, deepen bilateral practical cooperation in traditional areas including phosphate, fishery, medical treatment and public health, information and communications as well as emerging fields such as electronics, equipment manufacturing, aviation and aerospace and utilization of clean energy, and continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in finance and investment. China is willing to work with Morocco to strengthen military exchanges and expand cooperation in tourism and education, and looks forward to the early launch of a Chinese cultural center in Morocco. China is ready to work with Morocco to strengthen bilateral coordination and cooperation in international affairs such as climate change so as to maintain the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the African and Arab countries are China's good friends and good partners on its development path. I proposed the 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the end of last year, and put forward a series of new measures for China-Arab cooperation in co-construction of the Belt and Road during my visit to the Middle East at the beginning of this year. The goal of these efforts is to achieve common development of China and the African and Arab states. China welcomes Morocco to continuously and actively participate in China-Africa and China-Arab cooperation, which will provide a boarder space for the development of China-Morocco relations as well.
King Mohammed VI expressed that although Morocco and China are far apart in distance, the friendship between the two peoples has a long history. The mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields between the two countries has achieved positive results since the establishment of diplomatic relations 58 years ago. Morocco appreciates China's long-term and strong support. China's assistance to Africa over the years has benefited the African people. The establishment of a strategic partnership between Morocco and China will inject new vitality into the development of bilateral relations. Morocco is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in a wide range of areas including economy, trade and infrastructure construction, and strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs including development and climate change. Morocco stands ready to become China's important cooperative partner in the African continent and in the Arab world.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed the Joint Statement on Establishing Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Morocco, and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents covering judiciary, economy and trade, energy and minerals, finance, culture, tourism, food safety and other areas.
Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for King Mohammed VI at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ji Bingxuan, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Zhang Qingli and others attended the ceremony.