Megawati Receives Moroccan Ambassador, Discusses 66 Years of Good Relations

Indonesia’s fifth President and Chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan, Megawati Soekarnoputri, received a visit from Morocco’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday. During the meeting, Houssaini discussed the good relations between Indonesia and Morocco, which were established following President Soekarno’s visit to Rabat, Morocco, on 2 May 1960. During that historic visit, Soekarno was welcomed directly by King Mohammed V in Rabat. To commemorate the visit and Indonesia’s support for the independence of African nations through the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955, the King of Morocco immortalised Soekarno’s name as one of the main streets in the capital Rabat, known as Rue Soukarno. “The location of Soekarno Street is very famous in Rabat, situated near the parliament building. So, this street is very well-known. It is a token of love from Morocco,” Houssaini said in a written statement. “Thank you very much,” Megawati replied with a smile. Houssaini also extended an invitation to Megawati to visit the country affectionately known as “Maghribi” (west/where the sun sets). “I wish and hope that Ibu Megawati can visit Morocco. We will prepare a suitable programme for Ibu Megawati,” Houssaini said. Megawati noted that many Indonesian students pursue education in Morocco, particularly in Islamic and Arabic studies. The ambassador also mentioned that Morocco is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, built in the 9th century by a wealthy woman named Fatima al-Fihri. “There are several Indonesian students studying there, especially in Islamic and Arabic studies,” he explained. Megawati remarked that Morocco is a relatively open country. “Morocco, as a Muslim country, is relatively more open compared to Islamic countries in the Middle East and Africa,” she said. She added that Morocco provides dozens of scholarships to Indonesians annually. The ambassador also noted that Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup. The two figures also discussed green energy, the impact of global warming, food security, and other topical issues. At the end of the visit, the Moroccan Ambassador presented a framed photograph of Soekarno’s visit to Morocco. Megawati appeared moved by the gift and expressed her appreciation. She was accompanied by PDIP officials Ahmad Basarah, Yasonna Laoly, and Hanjaya Setiawan.