Morocco Opens Honorary Consulate in Florianopolis, Brazil
Doha – Morocco has opened a new honorary consulate in Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil, deepening the diplomatic ties woven between the two Atlantic countries.
According to a statement from the Moroccan Embassy in Brasilia, the inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday and was presided over by Morocco's Ambassador to Brazil, Nabil Adghoghi.
The event was attended by Santa Catarina's Vice-Governor Marilisa Boehm, Florianopolis Mayor Topázio Neto, local authorities, and figures from the business and media communities.
'This new consular representation stems from the positive momentum that has characterized the bilateral Morocco-Brazil partnership for several years,' the embassy statement noted.
The consulate aims to give 'additional impetus to the increasingly close ties between Morocco and the State of Santa Catarina,' a region known for its dynamism in technology, innovation, logistics, industry, and tourism.
The newly appointed Honorary Consul, Wilfredo Gomes, expressed 'profound gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Kingdom' and committed to working to serve Morocco's interests with both authorities and the business community of the state.
Speaking on behalf of State Governor Jorginho Mello, Vice-Governor Boehm conveyed Santa Catarina's pride in being chosen for a Moroccan consular representation in southern Brazil.
She affirmed the state's commitment to actively strengthening multifaceted ties between Santa Catarina's economic operators and their Moroccan counterparts, while outlining the state's assets in technology, innovation, international maritime connectivity, industry, and agribusiness.
Read also: Brazil Commends Morocco's 'Credible, Serious' Efforts in Western Sahara
Ambassador Adghoghi discussed Morocco's major economic transformation under King Mohammed VI's leadership, particularly in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure development in airports, aviation, and railways, as well as massive investment programs by global tourism brands in Morocco, presenting these as opportunities for Brazilian economic operators and investors.
The ceremony concluded with a Moroccan lunch organized by Morocco's embassy, showcasing refined national culinary arts.
Diplomatic relations between Morocco and Brazil date back to 1906, though their first contacts occurred in 1860. Their embassies were established in the 1960s, with Brazil opening its embassy in Rabat in 1963 and Morocco reciprocating in Brasilia in 1967.
The bilateral partnership gained strength after King Mohammed VI's state visit to Brazil in November 2004. Since then, bilateral trade has grown substantially, reaching $3 billion in 2022, with Morocco exporting over $2.06 billion to Brazil and importing $1.06 billion.
The two countries share a strong Atlantic identity, with Morocco boasting over 3,000 kilometers of Atlantic coastline—the longest in Africa—while Brazil's extends more than 8,000 kilometers.
Their partnership spans multiple sectors including defense, security, judicial cooperation, investment promotion, agriculture, and renewable energy.
This new consulate opening aligns with Morocco's broader Atlantic strategy, as King Mohammed VI stressed in his November 6, 2023, speech on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Green March.
'Morocco's Mediterranean coastline is firmly anchored to Europe, its Atlantic side gives it full access to Africa and a window on the American space,' the King said.
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