Newslook \ Washington \ Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca during a short visit aimed at strengthening Sino-Moroccan relations. The meeting at Mohammed V International Airport included an official reception with Moroccan and Chinese dignitaries. This visit highlights the growing strategic partnership fostered by King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping since 2016.
Crown Prince of Morocco Welcomes Xi Jinping
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan of Morocco hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday evening in Casablanca, marking a key moment in the enduring relationship between the two nations. President Xi Jinping’s short visit to the Kingdom highlights the commitment of both Morocco and China to deepening their strategic ties, initiated during King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to China in May 2016.
Upon his arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the Chinese leader was welcomed with high honors. Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan personally greeted the Chinese President as he stepped off the plane. This gesture of respect was followed by an official welcome from the Head of the Moroccan Government and a ceremonial review of the Royal Guard.
Key Moroccan officials, including the Governor of the Casablanca-Settat region, joined the reception alongside prominent Chinese representatives. Among them were Li Changlin, China’s Ambassador to Morocco, and Zhou Zhicheng, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy. Other Chinese dignitaries included Xia Kelin, Military Attaché, and Zheng Wei, Economic and Commercial Counselor.
Adding a touch of Moroccan tradition, the President and his delegation were invited to partake in a ceremonial offering of milk and dates at the airport’s VIP lounge. This symbolic gesture reflects Morocco’s renowned hospitality and cultural heritage.
President Xi Jinping’s delegation included high-ranking officials such as Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), Wang Yi, who oversees foreign affairs for the CPC Central Committee, and Deputy Foreign Minister Hua Chunying.
Following a brief pause in the VIP lounge, the official motorcade departed for the President’s residence in Casablanca. The visit serves as a testament to the mutual commitment of both nations to fostering their bilateral ties.
Since 2016, Morocco and China have strengthened their relationship through cooperation in various fields, including trade, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. This meeting between Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and President Xi Jinping reinforces these efforts, paving the way for even deeper collaboration in the future.
