President of the African Prize Foundation: I Salute the Exemplary Commitment of the Chinese Embassy in Morocco to Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Dr. Nasrallah Belkhayate*
I would like to express my deep appreciation for the ongoing efforts made by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Morocco, which works with great dedication and determination to strengthen the historic and profound ties between China and Morocco. Under the wise leadership of its ambassador, Mr. Li Changlin, the embassy has successfully initiated dynamic cooperation in diplomacy, culture, economy, and social affairs.
Ambassador Li Changlin has stood out through numerous initiatives that have reinforced bilateral relations. These include his multiple visits to various regions of the Kingdom, meetings with economic and cultural stakeholders, and tangible support for social projects that reflect the shared values of both nations. These efforts have significantly contributed to solidifying Sino-Moroccan cooperation and opening new avenues for fruitful and diverse exchanges.
On a personal level, I benefited from invaluable support that greatly facilitated my visit to Beijing, a testament to the professionalism and dedication of this exemplary diplomatic mission.
In a rare scene dating back several decades, a historic video has resurfaced showing the late King Hassan II expressing his firm support for the admission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations. He stated, “It is illogical to exclude a country with more than 600 million people — a third of the world’s population — from UN membership.”
This video was widely shared on Chinese social media platforms, garnering a large number of views — clear evidence of the deep impact these historical positions have had on Chinese collective memory, and a reaffirmation of Morocco’s importance in China’s diplomatic history.
In its comments, the Chinese Embassy in Morocco noted that the video stirred strong emotions among Chinese internet users, praising the sincere support shown by Morocco, under the leadership of the late monarch, at a pivotal moment in China’s diplomatic history.
Moreover, several observers have pointed out that this enthusiastic response reflects the strength of the ties between Rabat and Beijing — not only through official discourse but also through archival photographs documenting meetings between the then Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and Chinese leaders, symbolic of the deep and lasting relations between the two nations.
In light of the Chinese culture of gratitude, inspired by the teachings of Confucius, it is highly likely that China’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in the Sahara will materialize into a concrete and explicit position, thereby strengthening the strategic partnership between our two countries and paving the way for even stronger and more enduring relations.
*President of the African Prize Foundation
