Việt Nam Positioned as Bridge for Morocco-ASEAN Relations

Việt Nam is committed to strengthening its relations with Morocco and serving as a liaison to connect Morocco with ASEAN nations. During a meeting on the sidelines of AIPA-45, both countries expressed eagerness for enhanced cooperation, particularly in trade and legislative matters, while addressing the Western Sahara issue through peaceful negotiations.

On October 20, during a meeting held in Vientiane amid the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45), Vũ Hải Hà, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee for External Relations of Việt Nam, expressed the country’s readiness to act as a conduit for enhancing relations between Morocco and the ASEAN member states. Meeting with Salma Benaziz, the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs, National Defence, Islamic Affairs, and Moroccan Expatriates Committee of the House of Representatives in Morocco, Hà emphasized the longstanding ties shared between Việt Nam and Morocco. Benaziz underscored Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Việt Nam and expressed a desire for increased bilateral cooperation. She acknowledged Việt Nam’s ongoing support for Morocco in regional and international forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and AIPA, and highlighted the potential for further trade collaboration to enhance economic development for both nations. Moreover, she indicated Morocco’s willingness to serve as a gateway for Việt Nam’s engagement with African countries. Regarding the legislative partnership, Benaziz recognized the importance of the relationship between the two national assemblies and expressed hope for Việt Nam’s backing on the Western Sahara issue. In response, Hà conveyed his satisfaction with the expanding parliamentary cooperation characterized by mutual delegation exchanges and collaborative efforts at international forums like AIPA. Hà reiterated Việt Nam’s support for resolving the Western Sahara situation through peaceful negotiations guided by international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. He emphasized the importance of pursuing equitable, long-lasting solutions in line with the United Nations Charter to foster peace and development in the region. Hà concluded by affirming Việt Nam’s readiness to facilitate dialogue and contribute toward stabilizing the situation both regionally and globally.

The recent meeting between Việt Nam and Moroccan officials underscores a significant diplomatic effort aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation between Morocco and ASEAN countries. The longstanding ties between Việt Nam and Morocco, coupled with their mutual interests in trade and international dialogue, present a strategic opportunity for increased collaboration. Given Morocco’s position as a gateway to Africa, this relationship could pave the way for broader economic partnerships and dialogue on vital geopolitical issues such as the Western Sahara conflict.

In summary, the meeting between Vũ Hải Hà and Salma Benaziz signals a mutual commitment to strengthening the ties between Việt Nam and Morocco. Both nations recognize the importance of collaboration in various domains, including trade and legislative cooperation, while addressing significant international challenges such as the situation in Western Sahara. Việt Nam’s role as a potential bridge to ASEAN highlights its proactive stance in fostering regional partnerships and enhancing diplomatic relations across continents.

Original Source: vietnamnews.vn