This year marks 37 years since Morocco and Thailand established diplomatic ties. Expat Life recently sat down with H. E. Mr. Abderrahim Rahhaly, the new Moroccan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. Arriving to Thailand in December last year, Ambassador RAHHALY received the Royal Permission from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua in February. In addition to Thailand, he is also Ambassador non-resident to the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Laos People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He shared that “I am deeply convinced that my appointment as Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Kingdom of Thailand is a reflection of the great and the strong bilateral relations tying the two Kingdoms and the mutual spirit of strengthening more our cooperation.”
Did you arrive to Thailand direct from home, and or where were you posted before?
Before coming to the Kingdom of Thailand, I served as a Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, United Arab Emirates for 5 years. Prior to that, I held different positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as abroad, namely as: Political Counsellor in Pretoria (South Africa), Berlin (Germany), as well as Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC. (USA).
Which city were you born and brought up?
I was born in the city of Mohammadia, in Morocco. It is located at the midway between Casablanca and Rabat, around 24 kilometres away from Casablanca on the West coast of Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean.
At which age did you decide you wanted to become a diplomat?
It is always an honour to represent the country we belong to in so many different ways. Each one of us is somehow an ambassador of his country through a contribution to the promotion of the image of the country.
I got interested in the field of diplomatic career since an early age; therefore I focused my energy on learning more and more about my country to be able to represent it in an outstanding way.
Do you have any other diplomats in your family?
No, I do not.
How do you see Thailand today, in ASEAN, and in a wider context?
Thailand is among the impressive SE Asian countries that have been able to show signs of development in a quick and sustained way. It was able to build a strong domestic market with a growing middle class, able to drive the country towards a good socioeconomic growth. Thailand is also an important actor in ASEAN family as it is considered an attractive land for foreign investments as it affords suitable and sufficient infrastructures. This aspect should certainly be an important one in ASEAN economic development and should be playing a key role in ASEAN’s trade and commercial relations. As I have been always saying: Just like how Morocco is a gateway to Africa, Thailand is a gateway to SE Asia.
Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?
The first thing to mention is the fact that they are both ancient and deeply rooted Kingdoms who have long and precious history. Our countries both have strategic and highly important position in our respective continents. Both Kingdoms are host of big heritage and astonishing history! They both are diverse lands with a rich culture and tradition as they represent a real melting pot of culture. They have been able to preserve their heritage while undergoing a big wave of modernization and change.
Both countries are constitutional monarchies and they are both led by leaders of Faith: His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, is the Commander of the Faithful and His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhuam, King of Thailand, is the Patron of Faith.
One other aspect is that they are both lands of tolerance, dialogue and openness. Morocco is a land of spiritual diversity and fraternity respecting differences and Thailand is in a similar situation. In this regards, the two countries are known for their good sense of hospitability.
Do you have children, if so at what age and where do they go to school, university or work?
I am married to Madam Halima Amezian, a Moroccan national and we have three children; two boys and one girl. My oldest son is now 24, my second son is now 21 years old and my daughter is 14 years old. While my daughter still goes to school here in Bangkok, my two sons are university students.
How do you look upon your work here? How does an average day look like?
It is one of the commonly unanswered questions as it is almost impossible to call a day normal for an Ambassador. As Ambassadors, we explore all the possible ways to connect people together and we attempt to create opportunities favourable for this connection. We try indeed to maintain close contact with leaders and officials as well as the private sector, academia, etc. from the four countries that the Embassy is covering for the purpose to develop and maintain positive and very good relations. Therefore, each day is a different one.
Have you set some goals you really would like to fulfil before you leave Thailand?
The major objective is to get the two countries and people closer to each other by building more connectivity in various fields, being it culture, trade, investments, etc.
Within the scope of strengthening the bilateral relations between Morocco and Thailand, I am hoping to contribute to maximising the trade and investment opportunities between Morocco and Thailand in various fields. We can do better and achieve more in terms of mutual private sector investment as both countries have the potential ready for foreign investments.
Morocco has been doing great in terms of development and is providing now an attractive climate for foreign business. The country encourages foreign investments by introducing new reforms aiming at simplifying the administrative procedures for investing in the different regions in Morocco, especially in its southern Saharan provinces.
The Kingdom of Morocco is also encouraging direct maritime lines, and is building a strong logistics chain between Morocco and Thailand as a platform for exports to Africa, which would allow partners from Thailand to benefit from the legal arsenal between Morocco and Africa, but also with countries linked by Free Trade Agreements.
Have you managed to travel in Thailand yet?
It has been just few months since I landed in Bangkok. I still have not had the chance to travel the country but I started visiting neighbouring provinces to Bangkok. I am already astonished with how culturally diverse is Thailand and how its population is open and kind, cherishing and helpful. Moreover, I am getting attracted to the Kingdom’s beautiful landscapes.
When you have a day off, what do you prefer to do? A hobbies or pastimes?
I like everything that brings serenity and calm to the place around me. You know, as a diplomat, you have to worry on a daily basis on different matters and you have to decide upon many issues. Your brain just does not stop functioning. Yet, we have to be reminded that we have to correctly live the other side of us; to pursue a calm and beautiful life of tranquility and meditation. Whenever I have a free time for myself, I like to listen up to some classical music, try to spend my day within the spirit of nature and large green spaces. I enjoy most of all getting together with family and friends and have our own spare of time.
How many of your countryfolk are living in Thailand? When and why did Thailand become a desirable destination for your people?
Actually, we do not have a large community of Moroccans based in Thailand compared to our nationals living in Africa, Europe, the Americas or the Middle East. Based on the number registered in our Embassy’s system, we have round 350 Moroccans based currently in Thailand and they are mostly involved in hospitality services or have their own businesses. Based on some testimonials, they really enjoy living in Thailand, as they feel very integrated among the Thais. As for the Thai community in Morocco, there is a community of Thai nationals and they work as well in restaurants, hotels or areas related to tourism in general. There are also Thai students who follow up their studies in the Moroccan university within the framework of the Moroccan yearly scholarships for Thais.
Does your country and Thailand have an exchange programme for students?
The Kingdom of Morocco grants on a yearly basis several scholarships to Thai students to peruse their studies in Morocco in fields of their choice. It is important to mention that on July 12th, 2018, Morocco and Thailand signed in Rabat a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnership in education, higher education and scientific research.
The signing of this first memorandum is part of the consolidation of the excellent and distinguished bilateral relations between Morocco and Thailand. This Memorandum contributes into allowing young Thais to study in Morocco thanks to the scholarships offered by the Moroccan Government in several fields. The Memorandum of Understanding included several programmes such as the exchange of information and publications on issues related to education, including pedagogies, teaching methods, and exchange of teachers, students, and experts.
Moreover, I would like to mention that for the first time in SE Asia region, His Majesty the King Mohammed VI has graciously offered the opportunity for six Muslim preachers (Imams) from Thailand to study and train in the The Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates (Religious Preachers).
Do you regularly meet up with your community frequently?
We gather at various occasions, like our celebration of the Throne Day on 30th July or during the cultural events that we organise here in Bangkok. We do our outmost to better serve our community defend, protect their rights and interests and provide assistance if needed.
