Your Excellency, since you have the honor of being a Dean of the Diplomatic corps in Serbia, could you tell us what are the facts and impressions about Serbia that you usually point out and share with foreign diplomatic representatives in our country?

Frankly, I think the progress we’ve made in the eight years I’ve been here, is quite impressive. I’ve seen a lot of development in terms of infrastructure and major projects. For example, I remember that when I arrived, the Belgrade waterfront was just a plan. Today, it is a reality on the ground, attracting many tourists from all over the world. This program has undoubtedly been a key driver of Belgrade’s economy over the past years.

What’s more, during the pandemic that affected many economic systems, your country managed to achieve one of the most positive growth rates on the European continent, outperforming many of its EU neighbors, which is a remarkable achievement.
I should also mention the specialized international exhibition EXPO that Belgrade will host in 2027. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Serbia and wish it every success in organizing this prestigious event of global importance.

Another thing I like to emphasize in my conversations with my colleagues from the diplomatic corps, is the hospitality of the Serbian people, which I experienced during my stay in your country and which will undoubtedly remain engraved in my heart forever.

Morocco and Serbia have a long history of diplomatic relations and mutually perceive each other as truly friendly countries. It is especially impressive that King Mohammed VI included Serbia in 2022 among the closest friends of Morocco in Europe. In your opinion, in what areas is the friendship and partnership between our two countries most evident, and what could be done to further connect our peoples in the future?

I am pleased to underline that bilateral relations are based on 68 years of sincere friendship and mutual respect. We share similar positions and views on the defense of our territorial integrity and national sovereignty, as well as promoting noble values such as peace, coexistence and multilateralism.

Over the past two years, our legislative and governmental institutions have succeeded in establishing exemplary cooperation, particularly in various international fora, with an increasing number of high-level visits on both sides. This confirms the will to further strengthen these bilateral relations.

Furthermore, I believe that we still have a long way to go to develop our economic and trade relations so that they accurately reflect the high level of our political relations. Fortunately, our leaders are committed to strengthening this aspect of our cooperation and are making it possible thanks to a solid legal framework and the holding of the next 3rd Joint Economic Commission with an industrial dimension, in Belgrade this year.

One of my priorities is still the establishment of a direct line between our two countries, which has unfortunately been delayed by the pandemic. However, I can tell you that we have redoubled our efforts to make this goal a reality soon, a necessary and effective stimulus for business people on both sides, and a new source of wonder for the growing number of Serbian tourists visiting Morocco, and vice-versa.
Last but not least, student exchange between Morocco and Serbia has always been an important dimension in our partnership. We are therefore working closely with the Serbian government to enhance this cooperation between our Universities.

The complete interview is available to read HERE