2024-05-08 19:33:51
During this meeting, organized on the occasion of the presentation of the book of the international seminar “Historical and diplomatic dimensions of relations between Morocco and Austria”, held on June 16, 2023 in celebration of the 240th anniversary of the establishment of relations diplomatic relations between the two countries, the speakers stressed that Rabat and Vienna are determined to capitalize on this historic achievement, with a view to promoting bilateral partnership in all areas.
In a speech on this occasion, the Ambassador of Morocco to Austria, Azzeddine Farhane, indicated that the celebration of this anniversary offers both parties “the opportunity to look back on history, to better understand the dynamics currently experienced by relations between our two countries, as well as exploring ways to contribute together to further develop and deepen them on the basis of our unique, common and rich shared historical heritage”.
And to note that the work, launched on this occasion, includes the work of eminent Moroccan and Austrian professors as well as historical documents from the Austrian National Library and the Austrian State Archives, and sheds light on essential elements allowing a good understanding of the evolution of bilateral relations throughout 240 years.
The book thus highlights the “crucial” role played by Morocco and Austria, two nations with a rich history, in contemporary international relations, underlined Mr. Farhane, noting that the two countries have contributed in a “significant” way to the rapprochement between Europe and North Africa.
“The determinants of the foreign policy of the two countries eloquently reflect this historical anchoring, which continues to serve as a solid foundation for their soft power,” he noted.
This work emphasizes, among other things, the role played by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah and Emperor Joseph II, two visionary monarchs and architects of profound reforms who, thanks to their insight and wisdom, were able to manage geopolitical constraints of their times and reorient the course of history, by implementing reforms and changes and forging alliances with other powers, the ambassador stressed.
He also indicated that despite the significant changes and upheavals that occurred in world politics during the 19th and 20th centuries, relations between Morocco and Austria remained excellent and the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce signed between the two parties has never been denounced and still remains in force, becoming a reference for contemporary international treaties.
“The in-depth analysis of the historical and diplomatic dimensions of relations between Morocco and Austria, carried out by the eminent professors who contributed to this work, offers us today a unique, common and rich historical heritage to share and exploit for other academic research connecting the past to the present,” said Mr. Farhane.
Furthermore, he noted that the celebration of 240 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, crowned by the successful visits to Morocco of the Federal Chancellor, Mr. Karl Nehammer, and the President of the Austrian National Council, Mr. Wolfgang Sobotka, “gave new impetus to the bilateral partnership and confirmed their common desire to enhance their cooperation and establish a strategic dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers, with a view to deepening existing areas of cooperation and developing new new ways of collaboration”.
For his part, the director of the Vienna School of Advanced International Studies, Emil Brix, highlighted the excellence of relations between Morocco and Austria, which are based on a long history of 240 years, highlighting that bilateral exchanges are experiencing strong dynamics, particularly on the political level, with the visits to the Kingdom carried out last year by MM. Nehammer and Sobotka.
These high-level exchanges reflect the distinguished nature of relations between Rabat and Vienna and the desire to further enhance them, he said, stressing that cooperation between the two countries goes beyond political coordination to embrace sectors economic and cultural, as well as collaboration in the field of migration.
For his part, the Director General of International Cultural Affairs at the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs, Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, affirmed that Moroccan-Austrian relations are based on a rich historical heritage which constitutes a source of motivation to develop them further. and at a more accelerated pace.
Cooperation in the cultural field now occupies an important place in bilateral cooperation, he said, adding that Morocco is one of the Arab and African countries with which Austria maintains the richest cultural relations, while there still remain cultural areas which can be the subject of strengthening cooperation and bilateral coordination.
Mr. Thun-Hohenstein also highlighted the “very positive” image that Austrians have of Morocco and their great interest in the history and cultural heritage of the Kingdom, which explains the increased influx of tourists. Austrians on the destination Morocco.
This conference was attended by an audience of diplomats, parliamentarians and senior Austrian officials, in addition to numerous professors, researchers, historians and students.
2024-05-08 19:33:51