When His Majesty the King Mohammed VI decided, during his early years of reign, to open an embassy of Morocco in Canberra, in 2004, a significant impetus was given to the Moroccan diplomacy in Oceania, where our National Cause required firmer initiatives and more direct contact. Indeed, the embassy has bridged the gap between our country and the sixteen archipelagic States (Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) scattered between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, forming thus the continent “Oceania”. The thousands of our fellow citizens, who make up the “Moroccan diaspora” in this scattered region, feel once more, thanks to this royal gesture, closer to Morocco, geographical distance notwithstanding. They are most welcome at the representation of their home country. The embassy’s action has been made easier by the excellent work of the team that proceeded to its opening, headed by Ambassador Badre Eddine ALLALI, and composed of Mr. Abdelkader ALLOUCH, Mr. Azeddine NAFRAK and Mr. Mohammed BENDEMRA. Certainly, much work is yet to be done. The building of an edifice, for the long term, requires the laying of solid foundations. This is what the pioneers of this mission are striving to achieve: one’s work completing the others’. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to commend the excellent work done over thirty years by the Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom, Mr. Terence MULLANE, who spared no effort to promote our country in this region and help our fellow citizens. The march of a thousand miles begins with one step… Mohamed MAEL-AININ The Ambassador