Bogota — Relations between Morocco and Colombia, built on nearly half a century of friendship, are poised to regain their full vitality and strategic significance, Morocco's Ambassador to Colombia, Farida Loudaya, said.

Speaking at a reception held Thursday to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of HM King Mohammed VI, the ambassador said this longstanding friendship provides a "solid foundation" for injecting new momentum into relations between Rabat and Bogotá and jointly exploring new avenues of cooperation.

The diplomat noted that a new chapter is opening for the two countries, driven by the firm determination recently expressed by both Heads of State. She said this new phase should ensure that "the interests of each side are fully taken into consideration and that mutual trust serves as the guiding principle."

The Colombian government will find in the Kingdom a strategic ally and a sincere partner, ready to give concrete substance to this new phase in bilateral relations, she added.

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She also stressed that lasting partnerships are built on clarity and respect for the fundamental principles to which every nation is legitimately attached, including sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.

The ambassador also highlighted the many areas of cooperation that provide natural opportunities for closer ties between the two countries, including food security, renewable energy, tourism, higher education, logistics, investment and economic exchanges.

The reception was attended by senior Colombian officials, representatives of civil and military authorities, members of parliament, ambassadors accredited to Colombia, figures from the business, media, cultural and civil society sectors, as well as members of the Moroccan community living in the South American country.