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Morocco and Hungary strengthen ties with new sports agreement
Morocco’s Special Olympics team triumphed over Hungary with a 3–0 victory in a futsal match held at the Ibn Rochd Complex in Rabat. The match followed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Special Olympics Morocco and Special Olympics Hungary, aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two organizations.
Hungary’s ambassador to Morocco, Miklós Erik Tromler, emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two nations' Special Olympics teams. “This initiative began a few years ago, and today, we reinforce it with a new Memorandum of Understanding to further develop this cooperation,” he told Morocco World News.
The partnership has fostered several exchanges, including Morocco’s participation in Hungary in 2023 and Hungary’s return visit to Marrakech in 2024. Tromler noted that the agreement extends beyond sports, focusing on inclusion and integrating individuals with special needs into society. “This is a significant partnership because it promotes societal inclusion alongside athletic excellence,” he stated.
Morocco’s team, buoyed by enthusiastic fans chanting “Siir, Siir, Siir,” dominated the match with their high-paced play and control of possession. Hungary struggled to respond, allowing Morocco to score three unanswered goals.
Diplomatic relations and broader cooperation
The sporting event reflects the broader diplomatic and cultural ties between Morocco and Hungary, which date back to 1959. Both countries maintain embassies in each other’s capitals, with Hungary also operating honorary consulates in Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, and Marrakech.
Under Ambassador Tromler’s tenure, Hungary has expanded cooperation with Morocco in trade, education, and culture. Trade between the two nations reached $400 million in 2023, with Hungary exporting agricultural machinery, food products, and technology, while Morocco exports phosphates, fertilizers, and textiles.
Education is another cornerstone of their partnership. Hungary offers 165 scholarships annually to Moroccan students, while Moroccan universities host Hungarian students studying Arabic, Islamic studies, and business. The two nations also collaborate on renewable energy, environmental projects, migration, and counter-terrorism.
Hungary has bolstered its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, backing its autonomy plan for Western Sahara. In May 2025, Ambassador Tromler became the first Hungarian diplomat to visit the southern provinces of Dakhla and Laayoune, promoting investment in the region.
A celebration of friendship
Following the match, both teams attended a reception at the Hungarian Embassy in Rabat, which coincided with Hungary’s National Day. The event featured a photo exhibition showcasing past cultural and sporting exchanges between the two countries.
Ambassador Tromler described the day as a testament to the strong ties between Morocco and Hungary. “This is not just about sport," he said. "It’s about inclusion, respect, and friendship.”