The symbolic illustration of the broadcast, which was presented during a ceremony at the Portuguese Ministry of foreign Affairs by the Moroccan ambassador in Lisbon, Othman Bahnini, the president of CTT Correios de Portugal, joão Bento, and the secretary Portuguese State minister for Foreign Affairs, Nuno sampaio, highlights the centuries-old ancient ties uniting the two countries.
The first stamp represents the Commerce Square in Lisbon decorated by the statue of King José I, signatory in 1774 of the Peace Treaty, while the second stamp represents the historic site of the Sqala du port, an essential component of the defensive architecture of the medina of essaouira, built by Sultan Mohammed bin Abdullah, the second signatory of the treaty.
This joint issue from the Post of Morocco and the Post of Portugal “embodies the depth of the long-standing historical ties between the Kingdom and the Republic of Portugal,” said Mr. Bahnini, noting that the two institutions “tapped into the “historical roots of relations between the two countries to develop and issue stamps with true artistic value”.
The promotion of this common heritage,he added,“shows how our two countries have always known with intelligence,wisdom and foresight to transcend certain temporary vicissitudes of our history to make a splendid and rich civilizational heritage,in the service of “a relationship built calmly”,specifying that “the density and diversity of these relationships,as well as the consultation mechanisms put in place,have given a dynamic character to the relationship between our two countries”.
“In a contemporary world in full change marked by instability, rising tensions and the resurgence of old demons of ignorance, hatred and war, countries like Morocco and Portugal, which have had the chance to have so much in common throughout their history, constitute the example of a singular path, one which bets on peace, the bet on the valorization of what we have in common, and which invests with determination to preserve and preserve the heritage of the past, with a view to teaching it and passing it on to future generations,” assured Mr.Bahnini.
For his part, the president of CTT Correios de Portugal stressed that “philatelic cooperation between the Portuguese and Moroccan postal institutions is not new and has always been characterized by friendly relations”, adding that ”this cooperation continues in a dynamic and concrete way, since Morocco, which currently leads the philatelic sector of the Mediterranean Postal Union, receives permanent support from the Portuguese Post to implement the actions it is committed to carrying out for the period 2023-2025″.
Mr. Bento further recalled that in 2007, “the first joint stamp between the two countries was issued, with a theme linked to the historical presence of Portugal in Morocco and Morocco in Portugal. “Today, 17 years later, we present a new issue of joint postage stamps, marking the 250th anniversary of the 1774 Treaty and the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Treaty, two basic documents to strengthen the excellent relations between these two neighbors who share so many things,” he said.
For his part, Mr. Sampaio noted that ”the launch of two commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Peace Treaty between Portugal and Morocco,a very vital historical event,is not only an essential moment in our history common,but also a strong reminder of the close ties that unite our two countries over the centuries.”
portugal and Morocco “share a long common history, the result of geographical proximity and a common heritage in the convergence of art, culture, language and architecture,” said Mr.Sampaio , adding that this heritage ”is also reflected in the quality and intensity of our bilateral relations, which cover a wide range of areas, especially in the political, economic and cultural spheres.”
“The political and diplomatic basis of this common heritage is constituted by the fundamental elements of the peace treaty signed in 1774 and the treaty of friendship,good neighborliness and cooperation signed in May 1994,” he observed,specifying that “these two agreements have charted a path of balance,stability and positive advancement which has mutually enriched our relations”.
The launch of this philatelic issue was marked by the presence of a number of personalities from different backgrounds, as well as Portuguese civil servants, media professionals and academics.
What are the historical importance and milestones of the Morocco-Portugal relationship?
Time.news Interview: Celebrating Centuries of Morocco-Portugal Relations
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Ambassador Othman Bahnini, the Moroccan ambassador to Portugal, who has played a critically important role in a recent initiative that celebrates the historical ties between Morocco and Portugal. Ambassador Bahnini, thank you for joining us.
Ambassador Othman Bahnini: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You recently unveiled a symbolic broadcast of a joint stamp issue by Morocco and Portugal. What inspired this initiative?
Ambassador Bahnini: This initiative was inspired by the centuries-old relationship between our two countries.This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Peace Treaty signed in 1774. The stamps not only represent historical moments but also reflect the enduring friendship and cultural ties that have flourished over the years.
Editor: Engaging! I understand that the stamps feature significant historical sites. Can you tell us more about the imagery selected for these stamps?
Ambassador Bahnini: Absolutely! The first stamp features the iconic Commerce Square in lisbon, showcasing the statue of King José I, who signed the Peace Treaty. This illustrates the unity and cooperation that has characterized our relationship. The second stamp depicts the Sqala du Port in Essaouira, an architectural marvel built by Sultan Mohammed bin Abdullah. It emphasizes the defensive and strategic importance of the medina and highlights the historical depth of our ties.
Editor: How do you see these stamps contributing to the cultural and historical awareness between the two nations?
Ambassador Bahnini: The stamps serve as a tangible reminder of our shared history. By highlighting these landmarks, we aim to educate future generations about our cooperative past and to encourage peopel to explore the profound connections that exist today. It’s about fostering not only friendship but also collaboration across various fields, including trade and culture.
Editor: That’s a noble objective.In your view,how do present-day relations between Morocco and Portugal reflect this historical context you’ve highlighted?
Ambassador Bahnini: Today,our relationship continues to flourish through various cooperative ventures. Both Morocco and Portugal actively engage in trade, tourism, and education.Our historical ties provide a strong foundation for current partnerships, which are growing in scope and significance. The commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation showcases our mutual respect and recognition of this shared heritage.
Editor: It sounds like a promising future lies ahead. are there plans for further initiatives that celebrate or build upon this shared history?
Ambassador Bahnini: Yes,indeed! Beyond the stamp issue,we are exploring cultural exchanges,art exhibitions,and academic collaborations that highlight our shared history. We believe that by showcasing our mutual respect and cultural heritage, we can encourage not only a better understanding within our own countries but also among the broader international community.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. As we conclude, what message would you like to relay to our audience regarding the relationship between Morocco and Portugal?
ambassador Bahnini: I would like to emphasize that our relationship is a testament to the power of friendship and mutual respect. As we commemorate our historical ties,let us continue to build a future defined by collaboration and unity. We invite everyone to have a deep appreciation for our shared past as it can provide valuable insights and inspiration for our collective future.
Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Bahnini, for sharing your insights and shedding light on the remarkable relationship between Morocco and Portugal. We look forward to seeing how this collaboration continues to evolve.
Ambassador Bahnini: Thank you for having me.it was a pleasure to discuss this crucial topic with you.