Latest news with #MohammedVI
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Djibouti's President on Independence Day
His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismaël Omar Guelleh, on his country's Independence Day. In this message, the Sovereign expresses, in His name and on behalf of the Moroccan people, His warmest congratulations and best wishes for health and happiness to Guelleh, and for continued progress and prosperity to the brotherly people of Djibouti. His Majesty the King seizes this opportunity to reaffirm His pride in the close fraternal ties between the two countries, which both Heads of State constantly strive to strengthen and elevate to the highest level. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Morocco World
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Casablanca's Rooftop Comes Alive for Nuit des Musées 2025
Casablanca – Casablanca hosted a national event on a Thursday aimed at democratizing access to art and highlighting Morocco's thriving contemporary scene. Casablanca's Myriem Himmich Gallery welcomed the event, which was held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI. Under the theme 'Transitions,' the event was organized by the Fondation Nationale des Musées, featuring a collective exhibition that included 25 emerging and established artists from Morocco and abroad. 'This is about giving visibility to creators we don't often get to meet,' Hicham Abkari, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, told Morocco World News (MWN). 'From painting to sculpture to mixed media, this exhibit offers a rare panoramic view into Moroccan creativity today.' Casablanca hosted a national event on a Thursday aimed at democratizing access to art and highlighting Morocco's thriving contemporary scene. Each work in 'Transitions' explores impermanence, identity, time, and transformation, a fitting theme for a night designed to make space for artistic exchange. For some artists, that theme took a deeply personal shape. 'I've been acting internationally for over 20 years… But when filming ends, I go back to my room, I buy magazines, I cut them up, and I create something.' Karim Saidi told MWN. His exhibited collage, first started in 2013, reflects years of solitude between film sets. 'This piece is just one of over thirty that Myriem Himmich plans to present soon.' From the deeply personal to the universal, the exhibit found room for the cosmos. Emerging artist Sahar Saïagh stood proudly beside her acrylic paintings inspired by astrophysics. 'Besides art, my other passion is science,' she told MWN. 'I did a lot of research on what these planets are made of, the colors, and what exactly the images that we have are, which are usually just calculations and representations of what our technology is able to capture. And so I tried to use that and open up my mind about how I'm able to imagine what life out there is like.' Casablanca's Myriem Himmich Gallery welcomed the event, which was held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI. Meanwhile, Noam Chaoudri, better known as nono1dessine, brought a charming touch of cultural travel to the gallery. 'My characters, a man with a tarbouch and a woman with a hat, travel Morocco together,' he explained. 'I'm thrilled to be exhibiting here tonight alongside so many other Moroccan talents.' But the exhibition wasn't confined to canvas. As the sun dipped behind Casablanca's skyline, DJ ReqTeq filled the gallery with beautiful music. No less memorable was the food. Curated by chef Baya, the culinary experience paired gourmet precision with creative flair. Every little dish reflected the evening's larger theme, art in all its forms. The rooftop itself became part of the show. As the city lights slowly illuminated the horizon, guests enjoyed breathtaking views over Casablanca's vibrant streets. With the golden hour glow, art and the city's energy merged into one seamless experience. The crowd was full of fashion, energy, and real appreciation for the arts. The crowd was full of fashion, energy, and real appreciation for the arts. Actress Imane Wassila echoed the sentiment: 'I came to see the work of Karim Saidi and Mohsen Bassir, but I left discovering so much more… We have art in Morocco.' Whether between government officials and emerging painters, seasoned filmmakers such as Nour-Eddine Lakhmari and scientists, or strangers, art became a common language for connection throughout the night. Tags: Myriem Himmich GalleryNuit des Musées 2025
Morocco World
a day ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Syria's President Ahmed Al Sharaa Reportedly Interested in Visiting Morocco
Rabat – Syria is formalizing a new chapter in its diplomatic relationship with Morocco, extending traditional ties between the two countries. i24News reported, citing a Syrian source familiar with the matter, that Morocco has been officially notified of Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa's desire to visit the North African country. 'Morocco has not yet responded to this request for a presidential visit,' the news outlet said. The same source added that Syria's Foreign Affairs Ministry has sent a technical delegation to Morocco to inspect the Syrian embassy in Rabat. Ties between Syria and Morocco experienced a momentum, especially after King Mohammed VI's instruction to reopen Morocco's embassy in Damascus, which had been closed since 2012. Morocco closed its embassy 13 years ago due to disagreements with the Assad regime. King Mohammed VI stressed that the reopening of the embassy in Syria will 'open broader perspectives in the historical relations between our two countries and our two people.' Last month, Damascus authorities made a significant move aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between Damascus and Rabat. The Syrian government officially closed premises occupied by Polisario separatists in the Syrian capital. The move dealt a heavy blow to both the Polisario and Algeria. Algeria's regime has long backed the Polisario Front's agenda in Morocco and beyond. In addition to its support for Polisario's independence claims in Western Sahara, Algiers has facilitated the separatists' activities in Syria, further entangling itself in the country's internal affairs. New reports have revealed additional evidence of the Polisario's incursions and interference beyond Morocco's borders, including operations in Syria. A 'highly confidential' document that surfaced in December last year shows a secret alliance between the former Syrian regime under Bashar Al Assad's collapsed government and the separatist group. The confidential document, which dates back to January 2012, was a correspondence from the Syrian government. It showed that the Polisario sent militias to undergo military training with the Syrian Arab army. The document also shows a series of communications between Algeria's Ministry of Defense, Syria's Ministry of Defense, and Polisario's leadership, with fighters divided into four groups. It detailed that Polisario's members traveled to Beirut in December 2011 for consultations with Hezbollah to coordinate military training missions in 'special operations' in Syria. An international appeal is now demanding the labeling of Polisario as a terrorist group. Many politicians from many countries have been urging their governments to take the initiative amid Polisario's threats and maneuvers undermining the stability of the region. Earlier this year, US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson announced that he would introduce legislation to that effect. 'I will introduce legislation to designate the Polisario as terrorists,' Wilson said . He was joined by several other politicians, like Liam Fox, former Secretary of State for Defense in the UK, who also made the same appeal earlier this year, saying : 'Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Polisario Front is an Iranian proxy organisation. For the sake of our Moroccan allies, Western governments must move quickly to designate this group as a terrorist organisation.' Throughout recent years, several research institutions and think tanks have made similar appeals, shattering Polisario's self-portrayal as a liberation movement and unmasking its terrorist acts as an armed group that is involved in terrorist attacks, arms smuggling, among others. Tags: Ahmad al-SharaaMorocco and Syria
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Extends Greetings on New Hijri Year
Rabat – King Mohammed VI has extended his greetings to all leaders, including the Kings, Presidents, and Emirs of Islamic countries, on the new Hijri year. In the messages, the monarch extended his congratulations and best wishes, wishing them continued health and peace in the blessed new year. Morocco announced that the new Hijri year 1447 starts on Friday, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday. Today marks the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. Unlike Morocco, many countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE announced Thursday as the first day of the new Hijri year. The Hijri new year is a significant event in Islam as it marks a moment when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. The word Hijra comes from the word migration. The prophet's migration took place in 622 CE, when the prophet left Mecca to travel to Medina, where he was welcomed as a wise and just leader. Muharram also marks a joyful and spiritual occasion named Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month. For Sunni Muslims, the day is observed with generosity, especially towards children, who receive gifts like toys. Ashura is also where tables are adorned with dried fruits, nuts, and delicious traditional foods to celebrate the event. Children celebrate the occasion by playing with small drums and other musical instruments, strolling the streets to dance and share the joyful spirit of the day.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Central American Parliament Reasserts Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Sahara
Marrakech – The Central American Parliament (Parlacen) unanimously endorsed Morocco's autonomy initiative for Western Sahara during its General Assembly in San Salvador on Wednesday. In its resolution, Parlacen declared 'support for the plan presented by Morocco as the only serious, pragmatic and credible solution to the conflict over the Sahara.' The regional body also solidified its backing for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The regional parliamentary body urged the international community to support diplomatic and political efforts aimed at finding a definitive and peaceful solution to the artificially prolonged dispute. Parlacen stressed its responsibility to promote respect for international treaties governing state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The endorsement coincided with the 10th anniversary of Morocco's membership as an observer in the regional group. Parlacen pointed to the close relations with Rabat, noting that this partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to political dialogue, parliamentary consultation, and promoting peace. The resolution also commended Morocco's pioneering role in promoting international dialogue for peace under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Mohamed Ould Errachid, president of Morocco's Chamber of Counselors, attended the opening of the Economic Parliamentary Forum on Investment and Development in San Salvador alongside Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa. During the event, Ould Errachid received a certificate acknowledging the role of the Chamber of Counselors in strengthening cooperation with Latin American parliaments. The certificate recognized the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only solution to end the artificial, prolonged dispute over the Western Sahara. This affirmation follows a visit by a Parlacen delegation to Morocco in April. The delegation, led by Parlacen President Carlos Hernandez, visited Laayoune, where they signed the 'Laayoune Declaration.' This declaration lauded the new development model for Morocco's southern provinces and recognized the stability and prosperity of the region under the Moroccan monarch's leadership. Parlacen's backing adds powerful momentum to the swelling tide of international support for Morocco's stance on Western Sahara. Across Central America and the Caribbean, nations are taking bold, concrete steps to uphold Morocco's territorial integrity. The Dominican Republic proclaimed its 'firm support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara' during a meeting between Dominican President Luis Abinader and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in August 2024. At the time, Abinader stated that Morocco's Autonomy Plan is the 'only solution' to the dispute and announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla. El Salvador, which withdrew its recognition of the self-styled SADR in 2019, is discussing the possibility of opening a consulate in Laayoune. During a meeting in Ecuador in May, Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa described this potential move as a 'key step' in recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Panama has also strengthened ties with the North African country after suspending relations with the Polisario Front in November 2024. Following this decision, King Mohammed VI sent a message of gratitude to Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino Quintero. In a subsequent video conference, Bourita and his Panamanian counterpart Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez voiced their mutual desire to revitalize bilateral relations. They agreed to promote cooperation in sectors including green development, energy transition, agriculture, food security, fisheries, and tourism. Other countries follow suit Currently, around 30 countries have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla to demonstrate their support for Morocco's territorial integrity. Dakhla hosts consular representatives from 14 countries, while Laayoune has consulates from 12 countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, and the UAE. The growing international alignment with Morocco signals a dramatic shift in the global understanding of the dispute, with 120 countries now recognizing the Autonomy Plan as a serious and credible political solution. This includes important additions like Kenya, which had previously aligned with the fictional entity claiming the Sahara, but now considers the proposal 'the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue.' The UK, long bound by a posture of neutrality, has now corrected its historical course—formally recognizing the legitimacy of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara. These diplomatic victories reveal the collapse of an outdated Cold War relic agenda that only Algeria and a dwindling number of countries continue to waste resources on, as the international community increasingly recognizes Morocco's legitimate sovereignty over its southern provinces. Tags: Autonomy Plan for the Saharacentral americaWestern sahara
