As a crossroad of civilizations, Morocco is a land of natural beauty with its myriad of colorful landscapes, dreamy places and architectural marvels. Time-honored traditions and an exciting diversity has truly upheld the country as the gateway to Africa. Morocco is known for its coast, culture and history. It is known for the freshness of its palm groves and gardens, the liveliness of its souks and squares, and the richness of its mosques and palaces. Morocco, alone, brings together great wealth and a real cultural diversity. Morocco’s culture is shaped by its identity and history. In each imperial city, there are places full of memories that speak of a universal heritage. Morocco’s magnificent, beautifully-decorated museums and mosques are true works of art.
The history of Morocco is rich, thanks to the influence of several civilizations and cultures. Archaeological diversity, translated throughout the Moroccan territory into monuments, buildings and ruins, is the result of the plurality of these civilizations. A land of cultural and artistic encounters, Morocco offers its expertise to all kinds of human creation, celebrated through the many festivals dedicated to different modes of expression it hosts. Festivals in Morocco are among the best and most interesting in the world. Morocco’s well-known cities offer some unique events, often under the banner of dialogue among the cultures of East and West. A friendly atmosphere prevails during the Gnawa Festival, the World Music Festival, the Festival of Sacred Music, the Timitar Music Festival or the Festival of Mawazine. While the embroidered textiles, ceramics, jewellery, woodcarvings and leather goods are real treasures of Moroccan handicrafts, the Moroccan cuisine is universally recognized as one of the few cuisines that preserved its authenticity dating back over 2000 years. Moroccan cuisine is a celebration of components rich in flavors, aromas and colors. Its perfumes and sweet-savory associations are world-renowned. Aware of the fact that investment is a key factor to ensure sustainable and sustained economic growth, Morocco has liberalized its economy by easing procedures, providing better protection to private operators through introducing new laws aiming at improving investment conditions and, thus, acquiring significant flow of domestic and foreign private capital.
Bilateral Cooperation
The quality of the brotherly relations of cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are reinforced thanks to the relations of brotherhood and friendship between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Morocco and Saudi Arabia are continuously coordinating and acting on all issues in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The next and 14th Moroccan-Saudi joint committee will be held in Morocco, to give a new momentum to the bilateral relations, and to discuss the required measures for the reinforcement of mutual consultation and coordination. The two countries are determined to continue coordination and joint action to strengthen these privileged relations and lift them to a strategic partnership in various fields to serve the best interest of the two brotherly peoples. His Majesty the King Mohammed VI and his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, usually express their commitment to joint Arab action to strengthen the foundations of security and stability, achieve sustainable development in the Arab region and promote cooperation and solidarity, within the framework of the respect of the sovereignty of States and their national and territorial integrity.
Where To Go
Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is noisy, atmospheric and full of history. There’s a lot to see and do, from sampling traditional Moroccan street food at the nightly market in Djemma el Fna to shopping for spices and artisan jewelry in the atmospheric souks of the medina. For the most authentic Marrakech experience, consider staying in a traditional riad within the medina walls. Medieval Fez served as Morocco’s capital for more than 400 years and is still an important religious and cultural center. It is best explored on foot and includes the Quaraouiyine mosque and its associated university, which is the oldest in the world. Other highlights include the Chaouwara Tanneries, the Merenid Tombs and the Mellah or Jewish Quarter. Tangier is the gateway to Africa for those traveling by sea from southern Europe. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah Museum and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. The harbor also offers interesting views of the Strait of Gibraltar and distant Spain, while a short drive away from the city center reveals some pretty beaches. After much of it was destroyed in the earthquake in 1960, including various of its heritage sites, Agadir has finally managed to rise from the ashes. It is now a thriving seaside resort town with a beautiful waterfront and a chill vibe whichever direction you head in. Exploring Morocco’s Atlas Mountains without a guide may mean missing out on Berber culture and scenic viewpoints. Private tours enable interaction with Berber villagers, and the flexibility to personalize your itinerary.
What To Do
Explore the imperial cities. Each of Morocco’s four imperial cities offers a wealth of experiences and attractions: the splendor of Marrakesh’s historical sites, the striking architecture of Fez, the contrast of old and new of Rabat, and the calmness of Meknes. Morocco has many splendid beaches that offer a combination of relaxation and active water sports. Indeed, touring the coastlines that stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is an adventure on its own. Learn to cook your favorite Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, salads, harira, and pastilla from small, cozy cooking classes in the cities. While at it, drink loads of Moroccan tea too. Relax, cleanse, and ease away any aches and pains with a visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam, you’ll find one in almost every neighbourhood around the country. Marvel at Morocco’s amazing historical kasbahs that characterized by its beautiful appearance and their history. They are the guardians of most of kingdom’s historical relics. These ancient fortified castles and their grandiose ramparts do not cease to attract many travelers and tourists.
About the Ambassador Mustapha Mansouri Embassy of Morocco.
How did you start being a diplomat?
I held the position of minister on several occasions and as a former President of the Moroccan Parliament, I had practiced official diplomacy and parliamentary diplomacy respectively. As Minister of Employment and Social Affairs, I had the opportunity to experience trade union diplomacy. My acquaintance with diplomacy is long standing.
When were you posted to Saudi Arabia? And how long have you been in Riyadh?
His Majesty the King of Morocco granted me a great honor by appointing me in April 2018 as the Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has been almost a year since I started my mission in Riyadh and I am very delighted with it.
What were your reactions / thoughts / feelings when you were asked to become Ambassador to Saudi Arabia?
My appointment as Ambassador of His Majesty the King to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a great honor for me. As you know, Saudi Arabia is considered by His Majesty the King of Morocco as a dear brotherly country and a very close friend with which we have nurtured and maintained very strong and diversified long-standing relations. Our two kingdoms have always had very cordial ties under our successive monarchs, and the bonds between our two peoples are both friendly and solid. In addition, Moroccans who are known for their deep piety and strong attachment to Islam maintain a very special link with the Holy Places (Mecca and Medina), and every year, over 32,000 Moroccans arrive in the Kingdom to perform their pilgrimage, not to mention tens of thousands of others who come to the country for Umrah all year long.
What do you like most about life in Riyadh?
Personally, I am impressed by the development of the city of Riyadh, which I had the opportunity to visit in the early 2000. Today, the city is emerging as an important crosSARoad in the Middle East. Infrastructure works, urban planning, the rehabilitation of the city’s cultural heritage and the increasingly important offer of entertainment will bring Riyadh to the forefront of beautiful cities across the Middle East Region.
Tell us about your experience as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. What does your job as Ambassador entail?
It is a very exciting and rewarding job if we consider the different fields of activity in which we evolve. Apart from the daily administrative work within the Embassy, we have to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Moroccan community and solve the problems they face. In addition, we conduct parallel activities with a view to encouraging potential investors to invest in Morocco. We also manage all affairs and activities relating to the promotion of cooperation between our two countries in all areas. This job is particularly rewarding as it allows you to nurture new human relations and promote mutual understanding, exchange and dialogue among peoples and governments.
Favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
Riyadh is very rich city in terms of places of interest. I really like Ad Diriyah, an attractive different site away from downtown Riyadh. Other places are also worth visiting, such as the Flower Fields, the Edge of the World, Rawdat Khuraim, Wadi Hanifa and more. You just need to make time to enjoy these beautiful places.
What do you like most about DQ?
The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is a very nice neighborhood that has most of the amenities necessary for the well-being of its residents. In addition, the innovative project initiated by the DQ Authority will surely and profoundly transform the neighborhood and place it at the forefront of the most beautiful districts of Riyadh.
Embassy of Morocco
King Abdullah Alsahmi Street, As Safarat, Riyadh 12512
Tel: +966 11 482 8941
Website: http://www.moroccanembassy.sa
Twitter: @MoroccanEmbassy
