65 years of Moroccan-Vietnamese ties celebrated in Rabat

Rabat hosts milestone diplomatic anniversary with Vietnam

Rabat played host to a historic gathering as Morocco and Vietnam marked six and a half decades of diplomatic relations on Friday. The event, organized by the Vietnamese embassy in partnership with the Royal Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Army Veterans, brought together officials, historians, and cultural figures to honor this enduring partnership.

The celebrations featured the unveiling of a special exhibition titled “President Ho Chi Minh – A Legacy of Peace and Global Friendship”, which will remain open to the public until June 26. The showcase traces the life and ideals of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, highlighting his lifelong commitment to national independence, international cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations.

The joint initiative, supported by the Morocco-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site under Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, also included a high-level seminar focused on deepening bilateral ties across diplomatic, economic, academic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

Strategic ties forged in shared struggle

In his opening address, Mustapha El Ktiri, the Royal Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Army Veterans, emphasized the profound historical significance of Moroccan-Vietnamese relations. He described the anniversary as a testament to “the convergence of two peoples whose shared struggles for freedom and dignity have shaped a common destiny and unshakable bond.”

Highlighting cultural milestones, El Ktiri pointed to the twin memorial gates—Morocco’s Gate of Bà Vi and Vietnam’s Gate of Morocco in Kénitra—erected in 2022. These landmarks, he noted, stand as enduring symbols of solidarity that bridge continents and generations.

The Vietnamese ambassador to Morocco, Le Kim Quy, underscored the remarkable progress in bilateral relations, citing an increase in high-level exchanges and mutual visits in recent years. These developments, she said, reflect the growing trust and shared vision driving the partnership forward.

Economic and cultural bonds strengthen ties

Bilateral trade has flourished, reaching $390 million in 2025, according to the ambassador. Beyond commerce, cooperation has expanded into education, cultural exchanges, and decentralized partnerships between local communities in both countries.

The day’s events concluded with the inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh Library, a new resource center stocked with French, English, and Arabic publications donated by the Vietnamese leader’s memorial site. The library will serve as a hub for preserving and sharing the intellectual legacy of Ho Chi Minh in Morocco.