Indonesia–Morocco relations

Indonesia–Morocco relations

Indonesia
Morocco

Indonesia–Morocco relations refers to the bilateral relations of Indonesia and Morocco. Indonesia and Morocco shared similarity as the Muslim majority countries, Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, while Morocco also a Muslim majority nation. Morocco praised Indonesia as a strong democratic nation, and pointed that both nations facing the same challenges of separatism and terrorism.[1] Diplomatic relations were established in 1960. Indonesia has an embassy in Rabat and a consulate in Casablanca, while Morocco has an embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

History

The historical ties between Morocco and Indonesia dated back to 14th-century, when Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveller, in 1345 visited the court of Samudra Pasai Sultanate in present day Aceh, Northern Sumatra. In his record he testify that the Sultan of Samudra performed his religious duties piously and observing the madh'hab of Imam Al-Shafi‘i. At that time Samudra Pasai was the end of Dar al-Islam for no territory east of this was ruled by a Muslim ruler. Here he stayed for about two weeks in the wooden walled town as a guest of the sultan, and then the sultan provided him with supplies and sent him on his way on one of his own junks to China.[2]

In 1955 Indonesia organized the Asian-African Conference which call for the independence and decolonialization of Asian and African countries from European colonialism. The movements has inspired Moroccan on their struggle and finally achieved independence from France in 18 November 1956. Indonesia and Morocco officially established diplomatic relations on April 19, 1960. Subsequently Indonesian first president Sukarno arrived in Rabat on May 2, 1960, and paid a courtesy call to King Mohammed V.[3] In 2008, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda visited Rabat. Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi visited Jakarta in March 2009.[4]

Jakarta and Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, have signed sister city agreement on Sept. 21, 1990. To promote friendship between two nations, Jalan Casablanca, a main avenue famous for its shopping and business centers in South Jakarta, was named after Jakarta's Moroccan sister city. On the other hand in Rabat, Morocco's capital city, an avenue was named after Sukarno, to commemorate his visit in 1960 also as a token of friendship.[4]

Trade and commerce

Indonesia and Morocco have agreed to establish Joint Commission in 2013 to improve relations in investment, tourism, trade, and human resources sectors. This agreement was concluded in March 12, 2013, during Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu visit in Rabat, to met Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Saad El Dine-Otmani, Tourism Minister Lahcen Haddad and Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and New Technologies El Aid Mahsoussi.[5] The volume of bilateral trade has increased from $35.99 million in 2003 to US$109.31 million in 2008. Indonesian main imports from Morocco is phosphate, the main material in fertilizer production.[1] Other Indonesian imports from Morocco are fertilizers, chemicals, iron and steel rods, while exporting coffee, natural rubber, glassware, palm oil, spices, tea, furniture and garments to Morocco in return.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Veeramalla Anjaiah and David Stone-Resneck (January 24, 2009). "Moroccan ambassador says democracy in RI will endure". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  2. ↑ "Ibn Battuta's Trip: Chapter 9 Through the Straits of Malacca to China 1345 - 1346". The Travels of Ibn Battuta A Virtual Tour with the 14th Century Traveler. Berkeley.edu. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  3. ↑ "Indonesia – Morocco 50 Years of Friendship Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Indonesia. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Veeramalla Anjaiah (July 30, 2009). "Morocco seeks to boost business ties with RI: Envoy". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  5. ↑ Priyambodo RH (March 14, 2013). "Indonesia agrees to form joint committee with Morocco". Antara News. Retrieved 14 June 2013.

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