By Larbi Arbaoui
Morocco World News
Taroudant, Morocco, June 8, 2013
The British Embassy in Rabat celebrates 800 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Morocco.
According to some historic sources, the UK and Morocco diplomatic relations go back to 1213 when King John of England (1167–1216) sent an emissary to petition support from the Moroccan Sultan Mohammed Ennassir, the fourth Sultan in the Almohad dynasty.
The Moroccan Sultan backed up the English king against the threat from France and helped him suppress the revolted Barons at home.
The mission is recognized now as the starting point for a relationship which has been cemented in recent years by the appointment of the King Mohammed VI’s cousin, Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, as ambassador to London.
“Despite our being wrapped in the folds of 800 years of friendship, the UK/Morocco relationship is far from being stuck in ancient times. As friends, partners and equals we are working closely with Morocco in a range of areas and finding ways to co-operate for mutual benefit. This means constructing win-win partnerships; seeing the Bigger Picture in order to transcend the boundaries of Faith and Community.
It is a principle which remains as valid and important today as it was eight centuries ago, “ said British Ambassador to Morocco Clive Alderton at The Queen’s Birthday Party in Rabat on 4 June 2013, attended by Moroccan head of government Mr. Abdelillah Benkirane.
In 2012, bilateral trade between the two countries passed £1bn for the first time, according to a UK foreign office press release.
According to the official website of the UK government, "there are some 25,000 Moroccans living in the UK, and an estimated 500,000 British tourists visit Morocco every year."
The Moroccan educational system makes learning English compulsory from middle school, and some private schools include it since first grade.
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