King Mohammed pays unexpected visit to port of Tangier

Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Wednesday paid an unexpected visit to the port of Tangier to inquire about arrangements taken for Moroccan expatriates in Europe who come home for their summer holidays.

The sovereign visited the new terminal opened recently for ferry boats from the French Mediterranean city of Sete, and the Italian port of Genoa. The king also inquired about arrangements taken by the Mohammed V solidarity foundation to facilitate the trip of Moroccan emigrants and their families.

The sovereign greeted some passengers at the port.

Latest statistics show that a total of 107,283 Moroccans living abroad used the port of Tangier, since the season started on June 15, marking a 14.35% increase compared to the same period of 2002.

The foundation is operating several rest areas in Spain and Morocco. Over 50 medical doctors, 70 medics and over 100 social workers are present in these rest areas to extend weary travelers health care or other counseling.

The port of Tangier operates a daily 11 shuttle boats from the Spanish southern port of Algesiras with a total capacity of 12,338 passengers and 4,050 cars, two ferry boats from Sete (2,228 passengers and 724 vehicles) and two ferry boats from Genoa (1,430 passengers and 600 vehicles).