Local airlines are expected to mount direct flights between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Morocco following the recent successful air talks between the two countries.
The two countries have negotiated and initialed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on Sept. 4-5, 2019, at the office of the Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile in Rabat, Morocco.
The ASA would pave the way for the two countries’ respective carriers to mount daily flights to and from each other’s territory, which will further increase the tourism figures and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries as well as boost economic and social relations.
Pending the ratification of the ASA, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding granting full third and fourth freedom traffic rights for both passenger and cargo, and setting out other operational details for their respective designated carriers.
This is the seventh ASA of the Philippines in the African region.
Department of Foreign Affairs undersecretary Igor Bailen headed the Philippine delegation, comprised of undersecretary Manuel Antonio Tamayo of the Department of Transportation, undersecretary Edwin Enrile of the Department of Tourism, executive director Carmelo Arcilla of the Civil Aeronautics Board and director Joan Karen Riola of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Moroccan delegation is headed by the director of air transport Tarik Talibi.
Bailen said the Philippines will establish an embassy in Morocco next year.
