Megawati Receives Visit from Moroccan Ambassador, Invited to Morocco
Indonesia’s 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri received a visit from the Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini. During the meeting, Houssaini invited Megawati to visit Morocco.
The meeting took place at Megawati’s residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday (20/7/2026). During the meeting, Houssaini recalled the close relationship between Indonesia and Morocco that has been established since the era of President Sukarno.
Houssaini said the relationship between the two countries grew closer following Sukarno’s visit to Rabat on 2 May 1960. At that time, Sukarno was welcomed by King Mohammed V.
To commemorate the visit, the Moroccan government immortalised Sukarno’s name as one of the main street names in the capital city of Rabat, namely Rue Soekarno.
“The location of Sukarno Street is very famous in Rabat, it is located near the parliament building. So this street is very famous. This is a sign of love from Morocco,” explained Ambassador Houssaini.
“Thank you very much,” replied Megawati with a smile.
On that occasion, Houssaini also invited Megawati to visit Morocco.
“I wish and hope that Ibu Megawati can visit Morocco. We will prepare a suitable programme for Ibu Megawati,” said Ambassador Houssaini.
The Moroccan Ambassador said the two countries have many similarities. In addition, bilateral cooperation in various fields, such as trade, economy, culture, and education, has long been established.
Megawati noted that many Indonesian students pursue education in Morocco in the fields of Islamic and Arabic studies. Additionally, Ambassador Houssaini said Morocco has one of the oldest universities in the world, built in the 9th century. The university was built by a wealthy woman named Fatima al-Fihri.
“There are several Indonesian students studying there, especially in the fields of Islamic and Arabic studies,” he explained.
Megawati said Morocco is a relatively open country. Morocco also provides dozens of scholarships annually to Indonesian citizens to study in Morocco.
“Morocco as a Muslim country is relatively more open compared to Islamic countries in the Middle East and Africa,” said Megawati.
Megawati expressed her desire for countries in Asia and Africa to gather again and play a role as a third world power.
“If at the beginning of its establishment it was only attended by 26 countries, now it can certainly be attended by more than 100 countries from Asia and Africa,” hoped Megawati.
Furthermore, Ambassador Houssaini explained that Morocco will co-host the World Cup in 2030. The two figures also discussed green energy, the impact of global warming, food security, and other hot topics.
At the end of the meeting, Houssaini presented a framed photograph of Sukarno’s visit to Morocco. Megawati appeared moved and expressed her appreciation for the gift.
During the meeting, Megawati was accompanied by DPP Chair Ahmad Basarah and Yasonna Laoly, as well as PDIP Foreign Affairs Director Hanjaya Setiawan.