Part 2: Closeness between two countries from two continents

Although geographically distant and politically different, Morocco and Vietnam are close and similar in historical context and social life. From the special relationship in the past, over the past decades, the two countries have had a process of attachment and cooperation, creating the premise for deeper and broader developments in the future.

Similarities from historical characteristics

Like Vietnam, Morocco was once a French colony, placed under a protectorate. In this context, this African country had movements to fight for freedom and independence. Many historical experts believe that during this period, some Moroccan and Vietnamese revolutionary leaders exchanged letters to discuss methods of fighting to escape oppression.

In the same situation, many Moroccan revolutionaries strongly expressed their support for the Vietnamese revolution both before and after gaining independence in 1945, and then waged a resistance war against French colonialism. According to Dr. Le Phuoc Minh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam-Morocco Friendship Association, in 1961, in the context of the clear division between socialism and capitalism in the world, Morocco was not a country in the socialist bloc, but soon established diplomatic relations with Vietnam. This is something to be highly appreciated.

According to expert analysis, Morocco can be said to be the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Most countries in the “black continent” or the Middle East have established relations with our country in the past 40 years, after the US withdrew from Vietnam and our country gained independence and complete unification.

Looking back at historical milestones, in 1954, Vietnam's "resounding victory in five continents, shaking the world" at Dien Bien Phu also had special significance for many African countries, including Morocco. The event created the "Dien Bien Phu inspiration", considered "the starting point of a new fight for complete self-liberation" of the people of African countries. French colonies in Africa, most notably Algeria, rose up in resistance and armed struggle for independence. Dr. Le Phuoc Minh recounted that I heard that many times when entering the battle, the soldiers shouted: Dien Bien Phu! Many elderly people in Morocco, when mentioning Dien Bien Phu, Ho Chi Minh, Vo Nguyen Giap..., were all moved. In the face of such strong actions, the French colonialists had to grant independence to Tunisia and Morocco in 1956... Then, in 1962, Algeria gained independence.

After the war, Vietnam and Morocco continued to strengthen their friendly relations. In 2005-2006, with the opening of diplomatic missions of Morocco in Hanoi and Vietnam in Rabat, the two countries further drew closer diplomatically, marking the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations, now promoted by high-level official visits, the signing of cooperation agreements and mutual support in international organizations. Both countries are keen to go beyond the usual ceremonial interactions by exploiting new common interests.

The closeness of two peoples

The comments of Mr. Jamale Chouaibi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Morocco to Vietnam on a morning by West Lake made us feel more clearly the closeness from the perspective of culture - society and national tradition. Mr. Jamale Chouaibi said that the two countries have many things in common, creating favorable conditions for the integration between the two communities: Vietnamese people in Morocco and vice versa. “The first common point is the family factor. I realize that both Vietnamese and Moroccan people highly value family. It is necessary to understand that the concept of family here is not only limited to a house including father, mother, children, but also to ancestors, grandparents, and relatives. Like the Vietnamese, Moroccans also have customs and festivals to worship and remember their ancestors,” Mr. Chouaibi emphasized.

In addition, openness, hospitality, mutual support and assistance are also common advantages of the people of Vietnam and Morocco. Sharing a memory of the hospitality of the Moroccan people, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Morocco for the 2020-2023 term Dang Thi Thu Ha said: “In 2020, I went to Morocco to take up my assignment. After two flights to rescue citizens, I landed at Fes airport. Although it was 2:30 a.m. and Fes airport is more than 200 km from the capital Rabat, the receptionist of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the airport director still enthusiastically welcomed us with smiles on their faces.”

Vietnam and Morocco are also similar in terms of harmony in diversity. Ambassador Chouaibi observed that Vietnam is a country with many ethnicities and religions, but people still live together in harmony and solidarity. “This is a common point with Morocco. We are diverse in culture, religion, and language, but we always promote harmony in ethnicity and society,” Mr. Chouaibi shared. Agreeing with this point of view, Ms. Dang Thi Thu Ha said that Morocco is a country with 99% of its population following Islam but has great respect for religious and cultural differences, Moroccans are even very passionate about learning about cultures and actively support foreign cultural activities here.

Tourists take photos at the mausoleum of King Mohammed V - a famous project designed by Vietnamese architect Eric Vo Toan. Photo: PROVIDED BY WRITER DI LI

Vietnamese village gate in African country

It is known that, in order to remind generations of Vietnamese people of the Vietnamese national origin and the responsibility to foster friendship between the people of the two countries, in 2021, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Morocco, the Vietnamese Embassy decided to mobilize overseas Vietnamese to build a "Vietnam Gate in Morocco" located in the village of Douar Sfari, also known as "Vietnam village", on the outskirts of the city of Kenitra, Morocco. This is a project with the same meaning as the "Morocco Gate in Vietnam" in Ba Vi.

Ms. Dang Thi Thu Ha said that after a year of construction, the project was completed in December 2022. The inauguration day of the Vietnam Gate was also the day when the houses of the Vietnamese village were given a new coat thanks to the support of the local government in sending people to clean and repaint houses and fences. Families also decorated their houses to make them more brilliant. Previously, the road to the village was bumpy and difficult to travel. But after the gate was built, the local government decided to renovate and repave the entire road to the village with a length of more than 10 km. Currently, the Vietnam Gate is not only a cultural work for the Vietnamese community but has also become a useful tourist destination for many Moroccan people, a place to hold many events. Now, the two gates in the two countries: the Morocco Gate in Ba Vi and the Vietnam Gate in Kenitra have become symbols of friendship between the two countries.

In addition to the common past, or the socio-cultural similarities that have laid the foundation for mutual understanding and respect, over the years, Vietnam and Morocco have also shared some basic principles in conducting foreign relations. Despite the geographical distance, the two countries have been able to identify promising complementary areas, especially in the fields of agriculture, industry, education, technology, etc. Over the years, the interaction between the two countries has been enhanced through university programs, scholarships, trade exchanges, and other official and popular visits.

Morocco and Vietnam continue to strengthen their relationship based on mutual respect, the search for common interests and a modern vision of international relations. Every year, opportunities for cooperation, especially in the economic, academic, cultural and legislative fields, are increasing, demonstrating the continuous development and rich potential of this bilateral relationship.

Many Vietnamese people also recounted that when they traveled to Morocco, whether in Rabat, Casablanca or the countryside, Moroccan people warmly welcomed them. When they learned they were Vietnamese, many Moroccans even shouted: “Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh!”.

(To be continued)

According to Nhan Dan Newspaper

https://nhandan.vn/moi-quan-he-gan-bo-huu-nghi-ky-2-post860726.html

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ky-2-gan-gui-hai-nuoc-tu-hai-chau-luc-210379.html