Morocco has officially opened an honorary consulate in Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil, in a move that underscores the growing strength of diplomatic and economic ties between Rabat and Brasília.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, was led by Morocco’s ambassador to Brazil, Nabil Adghoghi, and attended by prominent figures from the region, including Santa Catarina’s Vice-Governor Marilisa Boehm, Florianópolis Mayor Topázio Neto, and a mix of business, political, and media representatives. The event marked a symbolic and strategic step forward in expanding Morocco’s presence in one of Brazil’s most dynamic regions.
The consulate aims to bolster Morocco’s engagement with Santa Catarina, a state known for its innovation-driven industries including technology, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism. According to a statement from Morocco’s embassy in Brasília, the new consular post is part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral cooperation in sectors that are both strategic and forward-looking.
Wilfredo Gomes, the newly appointed honorary consul, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Moroccan government. He pledged to advocate for Moroccan interests across the state and to build strong connections with local institutions and businesses.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Jorginho Mello, Vice-Governor Boehm welcomed Morocco’s decision to establish a presence in Santa Catarina. She emphasized the state government’s desire to enhance institutional and economic ties with Morocco, highlighting areas like maritime industry, agribusiness, and technological innovation as ripe for collaboration.
Ambassador Adghoghi used the occasion to reflect on the growing momentum in Moroccan-Brazilian relations. He pointed to Morocco’s ongoing economic transformation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. He also cited major investment projects in tourism and transportation infrastructure as signals of Morocco’s openness and ambition, inviting Brazilian investors to explore these expanding opportunities.
The ceremony ended on a cultural note with a Moroccan lunch, offering guests a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage and reinforcing the warm spirit of the new diplomatic chapter.
