Latest news with #AFCON2025
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
RAM to Launch Direct Flights to Zurich, N'Djamena, Sal Island, Munich in September
Rabat – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has announced the launch of four new direct international routes from Casablanca starting in September 2025. The new destinations include Zurich (Switzerland), N'Djamena (Chad), Sal Island (Cape Verde), and Munich (Germany), the airline said in a statement on Monday. Starting September 17, RAM will open a new route to Zurich, with two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. The flight will depart from Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport at 8 a.m. local time, arriving in Zurich at 12:10 p.m. local time. The return flight will leave Zurich at 1:10 p.m. and arrive in Casablanca at 3:25 p.m. On the same day, RAM will also strengthen its African network by launching a new route to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. Flights will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departure from Casablanca is scheduled for 11:10 p.m., arriving in N'Djamena at 4:35 a.m. the next day. The return flight will leave N'Djamena at 5:35 a.m. and land in Casablanca at 10:55 a.m. Then, on September 18, RAM will begin a new route to Sal Island in Cape Verde, with two flights per week, on Thursdays and Sundays. The flight will depart Casablanca at 11:00 p.m. and arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport at 12:45 a.m. the next day. Return flights will be on Fridays and Mondays, leaving Sal at 1:45 a.m. and arriving in Casablanca at 7:05 a.m. Finally, starting October 20, the Moroccan national carrier will launch a direct route to Munich, Germany, also with two flights per week, on Mondays and Fridays. The flight will leave Casablanca at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Munich at 6 p.m. local time. The return flight will depart Munich at 7 p.m. and land in Casablanca at 9:35 p.m. With these new connections, Royal Air Maroc aims to expand its international network and offer more travel options for passengers and support stronger ties between Morocco and Europe and Africa. In addition to expanding its flight network, Royal Air Maroc is also strengthening its presence in the world of sports through a landmark partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The airline has been named the 'Official Global Partner' of several major CAF tournaments, including the upcoming AFCON 2025 and Women's AFCON 2024 in Morocco.
Morocco World
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco and France Sign Joint Security Action Plan, Hammouchi Receives Legion of Honor
Marrakech – Morocco's Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), Abdellatif Hammouchi, signed a joint action plan with his French counterpart Louis Laugier on Tuesday in Rabat. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Morocco's security services and France's National Police in combating transnational organized crime. The signing took place during Laugier's official visit to Morocco, where he was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, and a high-level security delegation including several directors from French National Police central directorates. According to a statement from the DGSN-DGST, this plan 'establishes a common roadmap in the field of combating transnational organized crime between the two brotherly countries.' The agreement is vital as it materializes the exceptional cooperation mechanisms that have existed for decades between Rabat and Paris' security services. The plan aims to develop and expand areas of cooperation, including the possibility of creating joint working groups to address various challenges related to organized crime. This includes tracking fugitives and internationally wanted persons. The agreement also opens promising prospects for security cooperation and mutual assistance between police services on both sides of the Mediterranean. It specifically focuses on training, information exchange, technical assistance, and operational cooperation. During the meeting, the French National Police Director General expressed his deep gratitude for the role played by Morocco's security services in supporting French security efforts. He notably pointed to Morocco's assistance in combating terrorist threats, pursuing and arresting individuals wanted by the French judiciary in organized crime cases, and securing the Olympic Games held in Paris. Laugier also expressed France's willingness to provide all possible support to assist Moroccan police with security protocols for international sporting events, as Morocco is just months away from hosting AFCON 2025 and preparing for the 2030 World Cup. Hammouchi receives France's highest honor As part of the visit, French Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier presented Hammouchi with the medal and certificate of the Legion of Honor with the rank of Officer, awarded by French authorities. As part of the visit, French Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier presented Hammouchi with the medal and certificate of the Legion of Honor with the rank of Officer, awarded by French authorities. The French delegation stressed that awarding Hammouchi France's highest honor recognizes the leading role of Morocco's security services in international efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime. This recognition comes just weeks after Interpol elected Morocco as Vice Chair of Interpol's Global Cybercrime Expert Group in early June. A significant majority of Interpol members also cast votes for Morocco to take on the role of Vice-President of Interpol for Africa during the 92nd Interpol General Assembly held in Glasgow last November. Interpol President Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi recently commended Morocco's security efforts during his visit to El Jadida in May, describing the country's security system as 'advanced, efficient, professional, and committed to respecting human rights.' Morocco is set to host the 93rd Interpol General Assembly in Marrakech later this year, having received the Interpol flag from Glasgow as the official handover. The intensive talks between Hammouchi and his French counterpart focused on evaluating bilateral cooperation in the security field and reviewing various issues of common interest. They also discussed new mechanisms to enhance mutual assistance between the two parties to ensure the highest levels of readiness in neutralizing various security risks and threats. This cooperation falls within the broader context of the strategic partnership King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron launched in October 2024. Just a day earlier, on Monday, Hammouchi noted DGSN's commitment to supporting efforts against crimes affecting forest resources. Speaking at a study day in Kenitra, he addressed the importance of using modern scientific and technological means in criminal investigations and strengthening personnel capabilities through specialized training programs. Tags: Abdellatif HammouchiDGSN-dgstMorocco and France
Morocco World
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
ONMT Launches Football-Focused Roadshow Ahead of AFCON 2025
Rabat – In the lead-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco has launched a European tour to present itself as the host of Africa's biggest football event, as well as a country where sport, culture, and tourism intersect with purpose. From June 16-23, the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) is leading a five-city roadshow under the banner 'Morocco, Land of Football.' The campaign stops in Madrid, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Milan, five European hubs where the appetite for football runs deep and connections to Morocco are strong. At the heart of this tour lies the vision that Morocco is more than a mere destination, but instead is a proud, future-facing country anchored in its African identity and football culture. With AFCON 2025 on the horizon, the campaign seeks to draw attention to Morocco's preparations and its ability to deliver a world-class event rooted in hospitality, modernity, and passion for the game. 'Morocco is ready to welcome Africa,' said ONMT Director General Achraf Fayda in a statement. 'This roadshow tells the story of a country proud of its roots, united by football, and committed to offering something greater than a tournament. We want people to feel the experience of AFCON 2025 before they even arrive.' The tour reflects a broader effort launched through a strategic agreement between ONMT and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), signed earlier this year. Throughout the tour, Moroccan officials will meet with European travel experts, sports industry professionals, and media figures. More than 100 travel agents and tour operators join the gathering in each stop, alongside African tourism specialists. By putting forward its infrastructure, its youth, and its welcoming spirit, Morocco positions itself as more than a host. It proposes a shared African narrative, ambitious, inclusive, and rooted in real partnerships. This roadshow etches one of the key moments in Morocco's buildup to AFCON 2025. Morocco will also co-host the most anticipated FIFA 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Tags: AFCON 2025FootballFRMFMoroccoONMT
Morocco World
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui Rejects Sweden Friendly to Focus on AFCON Prep
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed that he turned down a proposed friendly against Sweden during the upcoming international break, insisting that preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil remains the priority. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Morocco's matches against Tunisia and Benin, Regragui confirmed the Swedish football federation had proposed a fixture to be held in Europe, but the offer was declined. 'We had an opportunity to face a European side. Sweden approached us but they wanted to host the match,' Regragui said. 'We're preparing for the AFCON at home. It's better to stick to the plan and play in our own conditions.' The Atlas Lions will instead remain in Morocco for both June fixtures, with Fes chosen as the host city, marking the national team's first appearance there in 16 years. 'Playing in Fes was my decision. The fans there haven't seen the national team in over a decade. It's time to give them that chance.' Upcoming Fixtures Morocco vs Tunisia – Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. local time Morocco vs Benin – Monday, June 7 at 9.m. local time Both matches will take place at Stade de Fès as Morocco continues preparations for AFCON 2025. Tags: Atlas LionsMoroccoswedenWalid Regragui
Morocco World
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Seats Catch Fire in Moulay Abdellah Stadium Amid Renovation Ahead of 2025 AFCON
Rabat — Newly installed seats at the under-renovation Moulay Abdellah Stadium caught fire on Saturday afternoon in the upper section. As work is undergoing in the stadium ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the blaze destroyed about 250 fifth-generation seats. However, authorities have reported no injuries among construction workers at the site. Reports indicate that firefighters battled the flames for three hours before gaining control, as large columns of black smoke rose above the stadium, visible from over ten kilometers away. The seats, made from a polymer called polypropylene copolymer, fueled the fire's spread and intensity due to their flammable chemical composition. While no one suffered injuries, the incident raises serious questions about safety measures during construction, particularly regarding roof welding work suspected of starting the fire. Initial, unconfirmed findings suggest possible safety violations in managing this operation. The construction company has reportedly started assessing the damage and plans to immediately strengthen safety protocols. Read also: AFCON 2025: CAF Promises 'Special' Tournament in Morocco These adjustments will focus on critical construction phases related to the stadium's roof and finishing work, with just months remaining before the planned continental completion. This incident comes at a challenging time as the North African country is gearing up to host the most prestigious continental competition. The country has over 120 ongoing construction and renovation projects across six host cities. Stadium construction and rehabilitation works are currently taking place in the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir. An April meeting to assess the advancement of these projects concluded that they are reportedly on track to meet completion deadlines and ensure smooth hosting of AFCON 2025. Morocco is also working on developing other infrastructure to facilitate mobility, including urban initiatives to renovate roads, accessibility, signage, public lighting, pedestrian zones, and green spaces. Tags: AFCON 2025FootballMorocco AFCON 2025Moulay Abdellah Stadium
