"This is the reason why we opened an embassy in 2017", Jones said in an interview with MAP at the end of her diplomatic mission in the Kingdom, adding that as Australia's first ambassador in Morocco, she commends “the political and economic stability of the Kingdom, the modernization of infrastructures, the ongoing improvement of the business climate and of course the African vocation of the Kingdom".

Over the past three years, she said, "I have been able to observe great changes in Morocco. I have seen and had the pleasure of visiting world-class infrastructures, including the high-speed train, the Tanger-Med port and the solar power plant in Ouarzazate.

“I have seen a Morocco deeply rooted in its traditions but at the same time modern, tolerant and open to the world thanks to the deep reforms initiated under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI," she pointed out.

Referring to the results of her three-year stay in Morocco, the diplomat said that the opening of the Australian Embassy in Rabat in 2017 has given a "fresh impetus " to bilateral relations which were already "excellent".

"The physical presence of an embassy in Rabat has been a game-changer for bilateral relations," she noted.

"Now, after three years, I am convinced that geographical distance is not a brake on our relations", the diplomat underlined, noting that she has worked to inform Australian and Moroccan economic stakeholders on the various opportunities offered and capitalize on the fact that Australia and Morocco are two gateways to their respective regions.

Regarding the current level of Moroccan-Australian relations, the diplomat stressed that Australia is committed to working with Morocco on all fronts, in recognition of the role it plays in its region, particularly in the areas of climate change, fight against terrorism and "now" against the Covid-19 pandemic.

And to continue that Morocco has "clearly" a growing influence in Africa, reinforced by a "great convergence of points of view on all these challenges", welcoming the fundamental work of the Kingdom on the issues of security and peace and its contribution to regional stability.

Commenting economic ties, Jones said "last year was a pivotal year for relations between the two countries, with visits from senior officials and ministers in both directions."

"Our economic relations are also starting to grow and I note with satisfaction the growing interest of Australian companies towards Morocco which are beginning to realize that the Kingdom is an ideal gateway towards Africa and Europe", she said, adding that following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Morocco and the State of South Australia, cooperation activities have significantly increased, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, mining and aquaculture.

However, Jones said "our economic relations are below their potential", citing several sectors such as renewable energy, education and higher education, which are “fertile grounds for a partnership between Australian and Moroccan stakeholders".

The "touching" tribute paid to Australian cinema at the Marrakech International Film Festival last year highlighted all the "singularity and richness of our culture and our magnificent landscapes", she said.