Youssoufi address Moroccan cultural development in light of late King's vision

Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi underscored in Rabat Wednesday the late king Hassan II's firm resolve to secure Morocco a strong and influential position in its regional and international environment.

Speaking at the opening of an international colloquy on the cultural dimension in the life of the late king, the prime minister stressed that the king's vision was not only a geopolitical project but a civilizational vision deeply-rooted in the history of Morocco and that takes into account the country's present and future strategic interests.

For the prime minister, Morocco's own specificities -being at the same time an African country and very close to Europe- consolidated the late king's attachment to the African and Arab-Islamic identities and his faith in the future of the Arab Maghreb and in the importance of partnership with Europe.

Youssoufi went on that the late king was watchful to all aspects of the Moroccan identity, particularly the relationship between religion and society. He described his strategy as an example owing to his concern to preserve the unity of creed and keep an eye on modern issues and the youth aspirations to modernity.

It is this constant quest of balance that enabled Morocco to achieve in the last four decades a significant progress in cultural, philosophic, literary and artistic creation.

In a previous presentation, Moroccan minister of cultural affairs, Mohamed Achaari, stressed that the late king was known for his wide culture both in traditional and modern fields and for his high feeling of aesthetics. He was a king who raised major cultural questions pertaining to identity, space management, globalization, art and creation, he added.

Several Moroccan and international figures were invited to the colloquy held to mark the 40th day of the passing away last July 23 of king Hassan II.