UK ambassador to Morocco Simon Martin has renewed his country’s determination to boost bilateral relations with Morocco during the celebration of King Charles III’s coronation and birthday, held at the British Embassy in Rabat on June 22.
Speaking to Morocco World News, Martin shed light on the historical ties and shared vision between the British and Moroccan royal families, emphasizing the role of the embassy in fostering bilateral ties.
The ambassador emphasized that UK-Morocco ties are experiencing an “upward trend in so many different areas.”
“It’s a wonderful time to be a British ambassador in Morocco,” he said.
Speaking about British-Moroccan cooperation, the ambassador emphasized that the two countries work together in several key areas, including education.
“In education, for example, we’ve been able to help with a very close collaboration with the Moroccan Ministry of Education, National Education and also of Higher Education,” he said, recalling the growing number of British schools in Morocco.
Recent months have seen a growth in Morocco-UK academic cooperation, culminating notably in the recent inauguration of the Coventry University campus in Bouskoura, near Casablanca.
The campus is the first one for a British University in the country, with two more planned for other regions in the country, university officials stated.
Martin also shed light on the connection between the royal families of the two countries, emphasizing that he is looking forward to future visits of King Charles III to Morocco.
“These visits have to be very carefully prepared because they are so important,” the ambassador noted, without providing a specific time on a potential visit. “We are looking forward to that and that … is the crowning achievement in a bilateral relationship.”
Martin also said he views a similarity in the approaches of King Mohammed VI and King Charles III, noting that both monarchs have the respect of their nations.
“Both the UK and Morocco have a remarkable diplomatic asset in our sovereigns. We should be very proud of it and take full advantage,” he said.
In the interview, Martin also pointed to Moroccan footballer Rosella Ayane as an example of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Born in the English city of Reading to a Moroccan father and Scottish mother, Ayane plays for the Moroccan national team. She currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Women’s Super League.
Describing her as a “wonderful” football player, he recalled that the Atlas Lioness is now on her way to Australia to represent Morocco in the Women’s World Cup.
“She’s a great example of the UK-Morocco modern relationship in action. And this goes of course up to official representatives and as a head of state you have a vitally important role,” he added.
Commenting on the King’s Birthday, Martin stressed the British monarch’s emphasis and focus on key issues including climate change, environmental protection, sustainable city design, and interfaith dialogue.
