Morocco-Sri Lanka bilateral relations

1. Diplomatic Relations

Morocco’s diplomatic coverage of Sri Lanka is operated by its Embassy in New Delhi (1990 to 2012 by Islamabad) while Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Cairo covers Morocco.

On 13 June 2012, Mr. Senadheera Sudantha Ganegama ARACHCHI, presented to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, HE Nacer BOURITA, his credentials, as Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Morocco.

On 11 April 2018, Mr. Mohamed MALIKI, Ambassador of His Majesty the King accredited to Sri Lanka with Residence in New Delhi, presented his credentials to the former Sri Lankan President, H.E. Mr. Maithripala Siresena.

Morocco has appointed three Honorary Consuls in Colombo, Mr. Thirukumar Nadesan in 2004, Mr. Hewa Komanage Upali Dharmadasa in 2007 and Mr. Mohamed Ahsan Siraj Refai in 2014.

2. Political Relations

Morocco and Sri Lanka are developing growing bilateral relations while maintaining contacts on issues of common interest in international fora (UNGA, UNHRC, specialized agencies).

The two countries political relations are cordial and characterized by their convergence of views on different issues, both at the regional and the international levels. They are also marked by their constant desire to further develop the scope of their cooperation.

A Friendship Group was formed between the Moroccan House of Representatives and the Parliament of Sri Lanka for the legislative period 2011-2016. Also, Morocco-Sri Lanka friendship group was formed during the period 2016-2021.

In November 2003, Sri Lanka expressed its interest to negotiate a free trade agreement with Morocco.

3. Exchange of visits

From the Moroccan side:

• 4 February 2020: Ambassador Mohamed MALIKI visit to Colombo to take part in the celebrations of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

• 30 July 2019: Ambassador Mohamed MALIKI visit to Colombo on the occasion of the celebration in Colombo of the 19th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King to the Throne.

On the sidelines, Ambassador Maliki held several meetings with the Sri Lankan authorities, on the ways and means to further develop the bilateral cooperation. The Sri Lankan officials included the Minister of Integration and Reconciliation, the Chairman of the Moroccan-Sri Lankan Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Director General of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From the Sri Lankan side:

• September 2008: High-level Sri Lankan delegation, led by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, visited Morocco.

• January 2014: Special Envoy of the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. John Senevirathne, visit to Rabat. Mr. Senevirathne was received by his Majesty the King Mohammed VI in Marrakech’s Royal Palace.

4. Bilateral draft agreements

• Draft agreement on the establishment of a Joint Committee
• Draft Memorandum of Understanding on Visas exemption for Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports
• Draft MoU on Tourism
• Draft MoU on Cultural Cooperation
• Draft MoU on the Transfer of foreign prisoners
• Draft MoU on intelligence