“My goal is to make sure all citizens – in all areas and regions – benefit from the fruits of progress and development, without discrimination or exclusion.” – from the Throne Day speech by His Majesty King Mohammed VI
Edited by Anna Popper
His Majesty King Mohammed VI ascended the throne of his glorious ancestors on 30 July 1999, succeeding his father, the late King Hassan II. The coronation in Rabat 26 years ago was not only a historic moment in Morocco’s modern history but also a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the Moroccan people and the Alawite dynasty, which has ruled for nearly four centuries since its founding in the 17th century.
Observed each year, Throne Day is a deeply symbolic occasion, representing the Moroccan people’s unwavering loyalty and allegiance to their Sovereign. It is a moment to celebrate the nation’s achievements under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, reflect on progress, and look ahead to continued social and economic development. In Morocco, the day is marked with fireworks, parades, and joyful festivities, while Moroccan communities worldwide also join in the celebrations.
This year, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Hungary commemorated the 26th anniversary of the King’s enthronement with a diplomatic reception on 30 July 2025, at the Hungarian House of Heritage in Budapest.
The theatre hall, adorned with Moroccan colours and decorations, provided the perfect backdrop for the event, which was hosted by Her Excellency Ms. Karima Kabbaj, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Hungary, Dean of the Arab Ambassadors’ Council, and Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors in Hungary. The Guest of Honour was Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly.
The celebration drew an impressive gathering of senior Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the cultural, academic, and business spheres, Moroccan students studying in Hungary, and many friends of Morocco.
The opening set a graceful tone with the national anthems of Morocco and Hungary, beautifully performed by the young musicians Naïm Tichiti on violin and Emma Tichiti on cello.
It was followed by Ambassador Karima Kabbaj’s address, who warmly welcomed the guests and reflected on the significance of Throne Day, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between Morocco and Hungary:
“Honourable Guests, Your Excellency István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and thank you for being here today to celebrate with us the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the throne – a celebration of the communion of a nation committed to its unity in respect of its diversity, to its territorial integrity, and to being a beacon of coexistence and balance between tradition and modernity.
This year, we celebrate our Sovereign’s 26 years of reign, marked by a longstanding reform process initiated more than two decades ago to improve the lives of Moroccan citizens and empower political institutions. Morocco is firmly committed to this continuous path of democratization as an irreversible choice.
At a time when our region and the whole world continue to face uncertainty and upheaval, Morocco stands firm – united in its diversity, strong in its convictions, and guided by the principles of peace, justice, and solidarity.
Despite global economic pressures, Morocco remains on a path of recovery and transformation. Through bold reforms, Morocco has stimulated investment, empowered entrepreneurs – especially women and the youth – and made significant gains in sectors such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism.
In a region facing geopolitical and economic challenges, Morocco’s current political stability and economic growth make it a credible partner at both continental and international levels, trusted by the world’s largest investors. In 2024, Morocco achieved 38 billion USD in foreign investments, making it the leader in attracting investment in Africa.
Over the past 26 years, Morocco has made significant strides in advancing sustainable development, consolidating its economy, and supporting promising sectors, thus contributing to an ecosystem of innovation and sustainable growth.
The expansion of Morocco’s infrastructure networks, the reinforcement of its food and energy security, and the success of strategic projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Power Complex, the Tangier Tech initiative, and the high-speed rail network attest to the steadfast resolution to build a modern and resilient Morocco.
Morocco’s ambition to place citizens at the heart of public policy is reflected in its commitment to the ongoing education and healthcare reform, the rollout of universal social protection, and the development of a national investment charter.
Morocco embraces the future. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the green economy are not only part of its vision – they are active components of Morocco’s New Development Model, aiming to achieve a more inclusive, competitive, and knowledge-based economy.
Morocco is also preparing diligently for the FIFA World Cup 2030, which we are proud to co-host with Spain and Portugal – not just as a sporting event, but as a celebration of African excellence and intercontinental cooperation.
On the international level, Morocco’s foreign policy remains guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect, with a firm willingness to be a force for peace, dialogue, and constructive diplomacy.
In this context, I would like to recall the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza and underline that, in light of its Chairmanship of the Al Quds Committee, Morocco spares no effort to ensure that the two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting settlement of this conflict.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we celebrate this occasion of joy and sharing, we also acknowledge the deep-rooted historical ties that bind Morocco and Hungary. Our nations share a long history of friendship, mutual respect, and understanding, based on common values and aspirations for a brighter future for our peoples.
Moroccan-Hungarian friendship and partnership relations have recently witnessed a qualitative leap at the political, economic, and cultural levels through intensified dialogue on issues of common interest at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
Both countries share the same view on the importance of collective action in tackling urgent global challenges and advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy. This is reflected in the significant exchange of high-level meetings and visits, demonstrating a clear determination to enhance cooperation and deepen our partnership.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Hungary for its constant support in defending Morocco’s interests at the EU and UN levels, for preserving its sovereignty and achieving its territorial integrity.
Morocco and Hungary have forged a multidimensional partnership through agreements in agriculture, renewable energy, educational and academic cooperation, water management, and digitalization. Both countries collaborate to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contacts. Morocco is Hungary’s leading trading partner in Africa, and both parties recently committed to deepening this partnership through trade, investment, and joint ventures during the visit of Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade to Budapest.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hungarian Government for its ongoing support, cooperation, and friendship, and reiterate Morocco’s ambitions for a closer partnership to build fruitful and prosperous economic relations.
Last but not least, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our talented artists Saïd Tichiti, Naïm and Emma Tichiti, as well as to my reliable team at the Embassy – especially my assistant, Bogi – without whom this reception could not have been organised.
Thank you very much once again for celebrating this special day with us, and I wish you all a very pleasant time in our company.”
Following the Ambassador’s remarks, the Guest of Honour, Mr. István Jakab – Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, addressed the audience. He expressed his privilege in joining the celebration of Morocco’s National Day and highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Hungary and Morocco, built on mutual respect, friendship, and robust political, economic, cultural, and educational cooperation.
Mr. Jakab praised Morocco’s impressive progress under King Mohammed VI, noting its comprehensive reforms, modernization, and stability – qualities that have made it one of the most dynamic countries in the region.
He stressed the importance of working together on shared challenges, such as migration, through strong partnerships with trusted allies like Morocco, and commended the country’s role in regional security and counter-terrorism.
Trade ties between Hungary and Morocco are particularly strong, with Morocco ranking as Hungary’s leading African trading partner. Mr. Jakab identified opportunities for further cooperation in the areas of sports, infrastructure, water management, agriculture, and climate change mitigation. He also mentioned educational exchange, noting that 165 Moroccan students come to Hungary each year through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme.
He also recalled his official visit to Morocco in 2024 to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, during which he met with senior officials and witnessed the nation’s remarkable development firsthand.
Parliamentary cooperation is on the rise, especially since the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two national assemblies. He congratulated Morocco on its successful presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and the completion of the 2022–2024 twinning programme with Morocco’s House of Representatives.
In closing, Mr. Jakab voiced his confidence that the 66-year friendship between Hungary and Morocco, based on mutual respect and shared values, will continue to flourish.
The event concluded with a lavish reception, offering traditional dishes prepared with authentic spices and ingredients, representing the rich diversity of Moroccan cuisine. Guests enjoyed Morocco’s culinary specialities, while listening the sounds of a guitar–saxophone duo.
The ceremonial serving of traditional tea by a skilled Tea Master added elegance and warmth to the occasion.
The Throne Day reception in Budapest was far more than a diplomatic gathering – it was a celebration of Morocco’s heritage, hospitality, and friendship, leaving guests with lasting impressions of a truly memorable evening.
Source: Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Budapest
Photos by the Diplomatic Press Agency
