With Morocco recently joining Asean's Treaty of Amity and Co-operation (TAC) in late July, it's expected that the once-missing link between the African region and the Southeast Asian region will start to open up, drawing in more businesses, political relations and tourism from both sides.
Extremely optimistic about the new South-South co-operation is Abdelilah El Housni, ambassador of Morocco. The youthful and energetic diplomat speaks at his beautiful Moroccan decorated penthouse in Bangkok of the beauty and charm of his home country, with hopes that more Thais and Southeast Asians will visit the exotic North African nation to further strengthen their relations.
In terms of culture, Southeast Asia and Morocco seem so far apart. But are there more similarities between the two regions than we may believe?
There are many similarities between Morocco and Southeast Asian cultures in terms of moral values. The respect of elders and the love of the family are the strongest common points we share. Both in Morocco and Southeast Asian countries, the blessing of elders and having a strong, solid bond with members of your family is very important. I also find that both of our people are extremely generous, very kind and always have a beautiful smile on their faces. Morocco and Southeast Asian countries have a unique culinary heritage that is loved throughout the world. You know even in terms of religion, we are not that far away. Both Islam and Buddhism call for peace, non-violence and the respect of others.
Morocco has been attracting more and more Thai tourists lately; do you plan to actively promote the country as a destination for Thais?
Since I've been here, I've been promoting. In the past three years, there has been a 164% increase in Thais going to Morocco. Thai hotels like Anantara and the Banyan Tree have also opened there. So I think things are moving forward; we have to keep our fingers crossed.
We need to educate people -- it's our responsibility to let people know more about Morocco. But now I think people know more than before. Our architecture and design are well-known now, for example Villa Maroc in Pranburi.
How would you convince Thais to go to Morocco?
Sometimes people think the area is very far. It's not. It takes an 11-hour direct flight to get there, and it's three hours from the major European airports.
I would tell Thais that Morocco is an open museum, an exotic country with a rich history, culture, a tradition of generosity, openness, tolerance. Morocco is very mystic and exotic. You can experience everything there. You can ski, you can surf, you can mountain climb and trek, you can go sightseeing and get lost in small streets, you can go to the Sahara, and our Sahara is next to the Atlantic Ocean. Anything you want to do, Morocco has it. Besides, our food! Our cuisine is always ranked number two or three in the world and has been listed in the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What's most important is that Morocco is a peaceful country. Look at what's going on around the world and see Morocco now.
Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakesh -- could you say a few things about these fabled cities and why would Thais should visit them?
Fes will give you a great idea about Morocco's history, culture and spiritual heritage. It was the capital of Morocco before, and it's home to the oldest university in the world ... Fes still does everything the old way, and we have the best leather exported all over the world! Not far from Fes is a city called Ifran. You wouldn't believe that you're in Morocco. It's the Switzerland of Morocco; there's so much snow.
Marrakesh is the 'red-city'. It's like a city from the One Thousand And One Nights. It is very exotic, especially with the Jama El-fnaa, where you have storytellers, snake charmers, etc. When we talk about Marrakesh, we have to talk about the people, too. They love making jokes, they're always smiling, they're great cooks -- and you have to try the street food.
Casablanca we know from the movie with Humphrey Bogart. It will show Thais the modernity and the glamour of Morocco, and it has the Hassan II Mosque, with the tallest minaret in the world, built in the ocean. But you have to see Dakhla, too. As any other Moroccan city, it is a true jewel. It is a fascinating desert with the ocean right next to it. Dakhla has also beautiful lagoons.
What does the average Moroccan think about when Thailand is mentioned?
When a Moroccan thinks of Thailand, the first thing that comes to mind are the beautiful islands of Phuket or Koh Lanta. These exotic destinations are very popular among Moroccans. Also, they think of the culinary heritage of Thailand, as we have many excellent Thai restaurants in Rabat and Casablanca.
How does promoting tourism between both countries improve our relations?
Tourism is very important; tourism is not only to make money. Yes, we make money, but there's another side: we fight against extremism, we fight against terrorism. Because when we visit another country, we're trying to know each other, we're trying to accept each other, trying to talk to each other, so you'll understand that country.
Tourism is one of the most important things. If for example it's 10% of the GDP, it's 90% of the values to fight against elements like extremism and terrorism. We can make the world more prosperous, tolerant, and accepting. Despite our background, culture and religion, I think tourism is one of the best ways to fight against all the negativity.
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo courtesy of Moroccan Embassy
Leather tannery in Fes, Morocco. Photos courtesy of Moroccan Embassy
