Speaking at the closing ceremony of this international meeting, organized under the theme “Cultural issues through the prism of diversity: When Morocco gives meaning to its diversity”, Advisor to HM the King and Founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, André Azoulay, underlined Morocco’s crucial role in promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence between cultures and religions.

With this in mind, Azoulay highlighted Essaouira’s unique position as a crossroads for rapprochement between cultures, both nationally and internationally, hailing the constant initiatives for intercultural dialogue taking place “in this emblematic city, where the winds of tolerance and understanding have been blowing for centuries.”

Speaking on the occasion, the founding president of the Center for Studies and Research on Hebrew Culture and Law in Morocco, Abdellah Ouzitane, stressed the imperative, in the current context, of promoting our culture and diversity in order to preserve the “fragile treasure that is humanity.”

“Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, assumes its moral responsibility, advocates lucidity, resilience and acceptance of the diversity of others,” Ouzitane told MAP news agency, insisting on everyone’s role in carrying the torch of human centrality in all initiatives and actions undertaken.

 “Tolerance is essential, and we must imbibe it in order to make a constructive contribution, particularly in the Middle East region,” said Steven Höfner, resident representative in Morocco of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Hailing the crucial importance of the theme addressed at this scientific meeting, Höfner called for strengthening of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, while stressing the need to promote mutual understanding and respect for differences.