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Only Arab in the golf Olympics field Maha Haddioui looks to inspire others | Sport 360

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A Moroccan woman will be competing in golf at the Rio Olympics:

sport 360Haddioui, the only Arab woman to earn full playing status on the Ladies European Tour, is going to compete in the Rio Games.

Organisers of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters have hailed Morocco’s trailblazing golfer Maha Haddioui, who has qualified for the Rio Olympics, calling it a ground-breaking achievement for women’s golf in the Arab world.

The Moroccan ace, who is also the only Arab woman to earn full playing status on the Ladies European Tour, will carry the hopes and expectations of the entire Arab world when she tees up at next month’s Summer Olympics where the game is making its long-awaited return after 112 years…[FULL STORY]

 

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Morocco to Host Picasso Exhibition Starting April | MAP

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The Mohammed VI Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art will host an exhibition of Picasso’s work in 2017:

MAP logoThe National Foundation for Museums (FNM) and the Picasso National Museum signed, on Wednesday in Paris, an agreement to hold in Morocco an exhibition on the works of Picasso as of the month of April.

Under this agreement, signed by FNM president Mehdi Qotbi and president of the Picasso National Museum Laurent Le Bon, a hundred of paintings by the famous Spanish artist will be lent to Morocco.

In a statement on Thursday to MAP, Qotbi underlined that the Kingdom is the first Arab and African country to host an exhibition of Picasso paintings, adding that this event follows the successful Giacometti exhibition.

This event, which will be held at the Mohammed VI Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art until the end of July 2017, is a tribute to the policy spearheaded by HM King Mohammed VI to promote culture as a real bridge between peoples, he added…[ORIGINAL STORY, SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED]

 

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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to African Union: “I am home at last”

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King Delivers Speech at 28th African Union Summit, Day after Historic Decision

Washington, DC, January 31, 2017, Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) — In a visionary speech delivered to the 28th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his country’s “commitment to the development and prosperity of African citizens” and pledged to “help bring about unity and progress” to the continent. The speech came a day after an overwhelming majority of AU member countries—39 of 54—agreed on Morocco’s admission to the organization.

“It is so good to be back home, after having been away for too long,” began the King, referring to Morocco’s more than 30-year hiatus from the organization. “I am home at last and happily reunited with you.” Noting the “massive, outspoken support Morocco has received,” the King referred to the organization as “a family we had not really left.”

“In fact, despite having been absent from the AU institutions for so many years, our links, which have never been severed, have remained strong and African sister nations have always been able to rely on us,” he said, citing his 46 visits to 25 African countries, and that “since 2000, Morocco has signed nearly a thousand agreements with African countries, in various fields of cooperation”—almost twice as many as during the period between 1956 and 1999.

The King spoke of the thousands of scholarships Morocco offers to African students to continue their higher education in Morocco; the recently announced Nigeria-Morocco Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline, which will “create wealth for neighboring countries and populations” and “help build more peaceful bilateral and multilateral relations”; Morocco’s ongoing work to boost Africa’s agricultural output and food security—by building fertilizer plants in neighboring countries and the launch at COP22 of the Adaption of African Agriculture initiative to support small-scale African farming; Morocco’s many contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations on the continent and other efforts to promote stability; and the country’s highly praised immigration policy which, in the “spirit of solidarity and humanism,” has offered legal residence to more than 25,000 sub-Saharans living in Morocco “who have suffered too long due to their life in hiding.”

“All this confirms that Morocco is right to choose Africa,” he said. “By doing so, my country has opted to share and transfer its know-how; in concrete terms, it is offering to build a safe, solidarity-based future.” He emphasized that Morocco is seeking not to cause division but to bring unity, and to bolster the continent’s leadership role on the global stage, saying “It is time for Africa to benefit from Africa’s wealth”—a clear echo of similar statements he has made in recent years.

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 Contact: Jordana Merran, 202.470.2049

The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

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US News & World Report Names Morocco among 50 Best Countries

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Kingdom Shines in Business and Cultural Sub-Categories

Washington, DC, March 10, 2017 (MACP) — For the second year in a row Morocco was ranked among the top 50 best countries by US News & World Report’s Best Countries listing, released earlier this week. Produced in partnership with Y&R’s BAV Consulting group and the Wharton School of Pennsylvania, the listing evaluates 80 countries based on a survey of more than 21,000 respondents worldwide in nine sub-categories: Adventure, Citizenship, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power, and Quality of Life.

Ranking at 48th overall, Morocco showed especially strong performances in the Movers sub-category, which identifies “up-and-coming economies,” coming in at 14th; the Heritage sub-category, which identifies those countries “most readily associated with a unique identity,” ranking 16th; and the Adventure sub-category, signaling destinations most likely “to fulfill your wanderlust,” ranking 24th.

Of the remaining nine sub-categories, Morocco also placed in the top 50 in the categories of Open for Business (“market-oriented” countries that are “a haven for capitalists and corporations”), ranking 40th; and Cultural Influence (countries that serve as “cutting-edge centers of art, entertainment and fashion”), ranking 41st.

The report, now in its second year, used other combinations of survey responses to identify additional “Best Of” lists wherein Morocco also figured prominently but that were not accounted for in the overall rankings. Morocco ranked 39th among Best Countries to Travel Alone; 41st in Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement; 43rd in Most Forward-Looking Countries; and 48th in Most Transparent.

In many categories, Morocco emerged as a leader in Africa and the Middle East. Morocco was number one in the Open for Business and Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement categories among African and Middle Eastern countries; number one in North Africa for Forward-Looking Countries; and second in Africa in the Movers category.

“Morocco’s overall success and its exemplary performance in business and cultural sub-categories are a testament to the country’s strengths and vision for itself as a diverse, modern, and innovative world leader,” said former US Ambassador to Morocco Edward M. Gabriel.

The US News & World Report findings echo the results of many other industry indices over the years. Earlier this year, Morocco was again named among the 50 most innovative economies in the world and one of just two such economies in Africa by the 2017 Bloomberg Innovation Index. In September last year, the World Bank’s 2017 “Doing Business” report ranked Morocco 68 out of 190 countries in ease of doing business, making it number one in North Africa and fourth overall in the greater Middle East/North Africa region. Meanwhile, Marrakesh, Morocco was named the most popular travel destination in the world by TripAdvisor last year; and the World Tourism Organization’s 2016 Tourism Highlights report cited Morocco as the top tourist destination in Africa.

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 Contact: Jordana Merran, 202.470.2049

The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

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Full Text of King Mohammed VI’s Speech on 64th Anniversary of Revolution of King and People

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On August 20, 2017, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI addressed the following speech to the nation on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People:

Dear Citizens,

The Revolution of the King and the people, the 64th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year, is more than a national, epic event which brought together a valiant king and a resolute people, seeking Morocco’s independence and the reinstatement of its legitimate leader.

It is a bright chapter in the life of the nation. Its impact and influence reached far beyond the country’s borders and deep into Africa.

Thanks to its spontaneous, popular character, and the values of sacrifice and loyalty underpinning it, it inspired liberation movements in the Maghreb and across Africa.

It also increased awareness of the destiny Morocco shares with the rest of the African continent, as reflected by the common struggle for freedom and independence and, later on, by the founding of independent African states committed to respecting state sovereignty as well as the countries’ national unity and territorial integrity.

This solidarity-based endeavor is continuing today. The aim is to achieve the shared development and prosperity all African peoples are yearning for.

Given the values underpinning that glorious revolution we are commemorating today, it is hardly a surprise that, ever since it gained independence, Morocco has adopted unwavering stances as well as concrete measures in favor of Africa, such as:

• participation in the first peacekeeping operation in the Congo, in 1960;

• the hosting of the first meeting of the African development committee, in Tangier, the same year;

• the setting up, under the 1961 government, of the first Ministry of African Affairs, to back liberation movements.

These earnest efforts for the benefit of African peoples culminated in the 1961 Casablanca Conference, which laid the groundwork for the creation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963.

Therefore, Morocco’s commitment to defending Africa’s causes and interests is not new. It reflects a standard policy consistently carried out by my ancestors, and which I have been proudly and confidently pursuing.

Dear Citizens,

Morocco’s commitment to – and interest in – Africa are by no means a coincidence; nor are they the result of transient considerations. They reflect a sense of loyalty to a shared history and illustrate our firm belief that ours is a common destiny.

They are the result of profound, realistic reflection which is itself governed by a long-term, strategic vision and a gradual, consensual approach.

Our African policy is based on a thorough understanding of African realities, substantiated by more than fifty visits to over 29 countries – 14 of which I have visited since October 2016. That policy is also aimed at serving shared interests through solidarity-based, win-win partnerships.

This tangible policy is best illustrated by the flagship development projects launched, like the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline project, the construction of fertilizer plants in Ethiopia and Nigeria as well as human development projects designed to improve the living conditions of African citizens, such as the creation of healthcare facilities, vocational training institutions and fishermen’s villages.

As a result of this successful policy, we have managed to strengthen our economic partnerships, ensure Morocco’s return to the African Union and secure the agreement in principle to our request to join the Economic Commission of West African States.

Morocco’s reintegration into the pan-African organization marks a diplomatic watershed moment in our country’s foreign policy.

This major accomplishment, as part of our African policy, was secured despite the obstacles thrown in our way by certain parties. This achievement attests to our African brothers’ and sisters’ perception of Morocco as a credible player – one whom they hold in high esteem.

Following this historic event, I wish to reiterate my thanks and appreciation to all African countries which stood by us – and even those which did not. I am sure the latter will change their position, once they realize the sincerity of our endeavors.

Although our return to the African organization is a highly significant event, it is not an end in itself. Africa was and always will be a top priority for us. What matters, above all, is the continent’s progress and the services provided to African citizens.

As for those who neglect Africa, play down its importance, do not care about its causes or engage in influence peddling, that is their problem, and theirs alone.

As far as Morocco is concerned, Africa is the future. And the future starts today.

Whoever thinks that we did what we did solely to return to the African Union, well, let me simply say they do not know me.

Now is the time for action. And Morocco keenly looks forward to continuing the efforts it has been exerting in Africa for more than fifteen years.

I should point out, in this regard, that Morocco’s return to its African organization will not affect its solid bilateral relations with African nations, nor mutually agreed development programs.

Reintegration into the AU is but the start of a new era of joint action with all African countries in order to build a genuine, solidarity-based partnership, ensure – together – our continent’s development and meet the needs of African citizens.

We are currently in the process of building an Africa that believes in itself, is committed to solidarity and rallies behind concrete projects while being open to its surroundings.

It is this comprehensive vision that led the Kingdom to apply officially to join the Economic Commission of West African States.

I should like, in this respect, to express my thanks to the leaders of ECOWAS Member Countries for agreeing in principle to Morocco’s request to become a full-fledged member.

ECOWAS is a natural extension of the AU. By joining both institutions, Morocco will contribute to economic prosperity and human development on the continent.

This is a historic political decision and a milestone in the endeavors made towards African integration, which can only be achieved through regional blocs, for the latter have become crucial players in international affairs.

Within ECOWAS, the Kingdom of Morocco will seek to lay down the foundations for genuine African integration that serves the continent and fulfils its peoples’ aspirations for development and for a dignified life, in an environment characterized by unity, security and stability.

Dear Citizens,

I have opted for a policy based on solidarity and for balanced partnerships grounded in mutual respect and the fulfilment of African peoples’ shared interests.

Morocco has never engaged in influence peddling. Instead, it has opted to put its expertise and know-how at the disposal of its African brothers and sisters. Money comes and goes, unlike knowledge and skills; it is these that help meet people’s needs.

African peoples understand that. They seek our cooperation and our support for their efforts in many fields – not the other way round.

They also realize that we are keen to build fruitful partnerships with them, based on well thought-out investment and development programs involving the public and private sectors in the countries concerned.

As for those who know the truth, but spread unfounded allegations to the effect that Morocco is spending huge sums of money on Africa instead of devoting those resources to Moroccans, they care little about the country’s interests.

The focus on Africa will not affect our stances, nor will it be at the expense of our national priorities. In fact, it will bring added value to our national economy and will deepen and consolidate our relations with African nations.

Our African policy has had a direct, positive impact on the question of our territorial integrity, be it with regard to states’ positions or the resolutions adopted by the African Union.

This, in turn, has given fresh momentum to the examination of this question at the United Nations Organization.

Whereas 2016 was the year of resolve and intransigence, during which we matched action with words to thwart the schemes designed to impinge on our rights, 2017 has been the year of clarity and of a return to the standards and principles for the settlement of the artificial dispute over the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

This firm, unambiguous policy has helped put the process back on the right track, thereby halting the plots designed to divert it into the unknown.

This was confirmed by the UN Secretary-General’s report as well as the Security Council resolution adopted last April, be it in terms of commitment to the frame of reference for a settlement, the appreciation of the autonomy proposal as a negotiating framework, or the determination of the legal and political responsibilities of the real party concerned in this regional dispute.

The proactive, composed and firm manner in which we settled the Guerguerat crisis thwarted the efforts to change the facts on the ground in our Sahara and helped put to rest the myth of the ‘liberated territories’ peddled by Morocco’s enemies.

In parallel with these developments, international support for the autonomy proposal has continued, as illustrated by the growing number of states which have withdrawn their recognition of the fictional entity and by the legal settlement concerning Morocco’s economic partnership with a number of influential powers.

Dear Citizens,

The 20th August Revolution is more than just a landmark event in Morocco’s history. That event reverberated across the Maghreb and the rest of Africa as well.

We need to draw inspiration today from the values of sacrifice, loyalty and generosity underpinning that event so as to continue to be torchbearers of that revolution, domestically and continentally.

By upholding those values and principles and promoting collective action, we shall be able to rise to the intricate challenges we are facing and thus achieve comprehensive development and enhance the security and stability the peoples in the region are yearning for.

I should like, in this respect, to praise the serious work and effective action undertaken by the Moroccan diplomatic service to defend the country’s best interests, enhance its credibility and increase its influence at the regional, continental and international levels.

Dear Citizens,

I remember, with reverence and emotion, the anniversary of the Royal family’s exile in Madagascar – a country I visited last year.

I saw the sincerity of the Malgasy people’s esteem and affection for the Royal family. There were emotional memories and recollections of human bonds with members of the Royal family, despite the hardships of exile and of life so far away from the homeland.

It is with deep reverence that I wish to honor the memory of our esteemed martyrs, particularly my beloved grandfather, His Majesty King Mohammed V, and his comrade-in-arms, my revered father, His Majesty King Hassan II. May they rest in peace.

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