Marocko firade sin 27-årsdag av trondagen den 30 Juli 2026 på Sheraton hotel i Stockholm. Ambassadör His Excellency  Mr Karim MEDREK  talade tillsammans med Olle Burell Kommunfullmäktiges ordförande i Stockholm, samt Therese Hydén, Generaldirektör för juridiska frågor vid utrikesministeriet. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary  Mrs Fatine CHARRAT hade själv valt med hjälp av sin personal alla Marockanska maträtter. En mångfald av det varierande, fantastiska medelhavsköket. Efter maten serverades Sahara te av traditionsenlig personal i Marockanska kläder med huvudbonaden Fez. Vi blev imponerade av det ståliga firandet, denna vackra afton i Marockos anda på nyrenoverade Sheraton. Deras orubbliga engagemang för att bygga varaktiga broar mellan kulturer och nationer av H.E.Mr. Karim Medrek.  

Ambassador His Excellency Mr Karim MEDREK speech on the Occasion of the Throne Day 2026

It is a great pleasure and a true privilege to welcome you this evening as we celebrate the twenty-seventh anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the Throne.

Allow me first to thank each and every one of you for joining us tonight. I know that Stockholm in summer offers many tempting alternatives at this time of the year.

The fact that you choose to spend the evening with us is appreciated. I promise to keep my remarks shorter than Swedish winter.

For Moroccans, Throne Day is much more than a national celebration. It is a moment that reflects the enduring bond between the Monarch and the Moroccan people.

Over the past year, Morocco has continued to pursue an ambitious path of reform and modernization. Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a regional industrial hub, particularly in automotive manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, digital technologies and advanced infrastructure.

Morocco is a central node in the European supply chain and the largest automotive producer in Africa and Middle East.

It is the world’s leading exporter of phosphate fertiliser and the site of the largest concentrated solar plant on earth. It is the financial gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Gulf.

Indeed, according to Africa Industrialisation Index published by the African Development Bank in May 2026, Morocco has become the highest-ranked African country in term of industrialisation in the continent.

At the same time, substantial investments are being made in water security, social protection, education, healthcare and human capital, reflecting our conviction that economic growth has meaning only when it improves people’s lives.

This spirit of this ambition is also reflected in Morocco’s preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal. This landmark sporting event will unite two continents around one shared passion.

We look forward to seeing Sweden qualified. And if fate brings our two national teams together, I assure our Swedish friends that our diplomacy will remain excellent regardless the final score.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today’s international landscape presents challenges that none of us can address alone. Conflicts continue to inflict immense human suffering.

Economic fragmentation threatens global prosperity.

Climate change reminds us daily that nature does not recognize national borders.

Emerging technologies offer extraordinary opportunities while raising profound ethical and governance questions.

In such an environment, Morocco remains firmly committed to a foreign policy rooted in dialogue, moderation, mutual respect and constructive engagement.

We believe that effective multilateralism remains indispensable. Strong international, regional and sub-regional institutions are essential to address current and future risks and challenges.

Diplomacy is not merely the art of handling of crises; it is the patient work of preventing them by building confidence and lasting partnerships.

This conviction naturally guides our relationship with Sweden. We are praised to reaffirm the excellent relations that has long united the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Sweden.

For many Swedes, Morocco is simply a superb holiday destination, a land of contrasts, diverse landscapes, sunshine, colourful medinas, and vibrant culture and cuisine.

But, few recalls that our relations are rooted in a history, dating back to 1763, with the signing of the first maritime treaty between our two countries.

For more than two and a half centuries, our relationship has evolved and flourished. Today, our cooperation continues to deepen.

Trade and Investment are expanding. Academic exchanges and cultural cooperation are growing.

Swedish companies increasingly view Morocco not only as an attractive market but also strategic gateway connecting Europe, Africa and the Atlantic.

Next year, Morocco and Sweden will proudly commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a significant milestone that reflects the continuity and vitality of our bilateral friendship.

This anniversary will be an opportunity to celebrate our common achievements, but also to look ahead with renewed ambition.

Whether in green technologies, sustainable mobility, digital transformation, life sciences, advanced manufacturing or critical infrastructure, Morocco and Sweden possess highly complementary strengths.

By combining Swedish innovation with Morocco’s strategic location, industrial ecosystem and dynamic human capital, we can build partnerships that create value far beyond our two countries.

There is, however, another bridge between our nations that deserves special recognition: The Moroccan community in Sweden.

Through their talent, entrepreneurship and civic engagement, Moroccan-Swedes make valuable contributions to Swedish society while preserving strong bonds with their country of origin.

They symbolise the very best of what international mobility can achieve: stronger societies, broader perspectives and deeper mutual understanding.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Diplomacy is often described as the art of building bridges. As we celebrate Morocco’s National Day, we believe with confidence in our partnerships and optimism for the future.

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all our Swedish friends and partners, who contribute every day to strengthening the excellent relations between our two Kingdoms. Your friendship and your confidence are deeply valued.

To the entire Embassy team, thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to make this evening a success and for your professionalism.

Allow me to pay a special tribute, in this respect, to my collaborators Mr Brahim Addi and Mr Abdelilah Kaouni who will be leaving us soon. Thank you for your entire commitments. I wish you full success in your new endeavours. You will be missed!

Finally, a special tribute goes to my wife Fatine, for her generous support that she provides me with, at all moments.

May I now invite you to join me in raising your glasses.

• To His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustave, to the Swedish Royal Family, and the prosperity and happiness of the people of Sweden,
• To His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Royal family,
• To the continued prosperity of the Kingdom of Morocco, and
• To the lasting friendship and growing partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Sweden.

Pictures from the reception of the evening: