Morocco highlights cultural diversity at Paris Book Fair

Morocco reaffirms its commitment to cultural openness and global dialogue as it actively participates as the guest of honor at the Paris Book Fair. This engagement underscores the country's role as a cultural crossroads, fostering connections across languages and identities.

In an interview with French news channel TV5 Monde, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Culture and Communication, articulated the unique position of the North African nation in facilitating cultural exchanges. “The strength of Morocco lies in its ability to harmoniously coexist multiple cultural identities within the same national space,” Bensaid stated. He emphasized that Morocco's cultural vitality is deeply rooted in its diversity, a characteristic celebrated and integrated into national cultural policies.

Bensaid highlighted Morocco's multilingual character, noting that languages such as Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, French, Spanish, and English are integral to the country's cultural and historical identity. He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to culture, regardless of the language in which artistic works are created.

Amid increasing global identity tensions, Morocco positions itself as a cultural bridge between Europe and Africa. Drawing on its rich historical heritage, including Andalusian influences and the Gnawa tradition, Bensaid remarked that Morocco leverages culture as a means of reconciliation, linking diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of decentralizing cultural efforts, ensuring that regional specificities are recognized and integrated into the national narrative. This approach plays a crucial role in Morocco's objective to amplify its cultural diversity on the global stage.

Bensaid noted that Morocco's prominent presence at the Paris Book Fair coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Morocco, during which several bilateral cultural agreements were established. “This event offers a unique opportunity to share a piece of Moroccan cultural history with the French public, Francophone communities, and the Moroccan diaspora, helping to solidify the cultural ties between our nations,” he said.

Moreover, Bensaid stressed the significance of the Paris Book Fair as a platform to showcase Morocco’s broader cultural offerings. He highlighted the pivotal role of books in developing creative and cultural industries, extending beyond literature to encompass cinema, theater, gaming, and visual arts.