Morocco and China Forge Cultural Ties with Landmark 2024-2028 Cooperation Program

The strengthening of cultural cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the People's Republic of China took center stage during talks held on Thursday in Rabat. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and Rao Quan, the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, convened to solidify the bonds between the two nations through a shared commitment to cultural exchange.

During the discussions, both parties underscored the positive momentum that has characterized Morocco-China relations since the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping during the Royal Visit to Beijing in May 2016. This milestone event reflected the deep friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as stated in a communiqué issued by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

Bensaid and Rao explored avenues to further strengthen cultural cooperation and foster closer ties between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples through the powerful medium of culture. Acknowledging the long-standing historical relations uniting Morocco and China, the ministers examined mechanisms for implementing cultural cooperation initiatives and explored prospects for bilateral ventures in the realms of cinema, cultural industries, and the video game industry.

Moreover, the two ministers agreed to coordinate their efforts within regional and international forums related to culture, reflecting the shared vision of promoting cultural diplomacy on a global scale.

As a culmination of these fruitful discussions, the two parties inked the 2024-2028 Executive Program for Cultural Cooperation. This landmark agreement aims to foster cultural exchanges, encourage bilateral visits, and create collaborative initiatives and frameworks for cooperation.

The program also encompasses strengthening coordination and cooperation within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), facilitating the exchange of expertise, and promoting continuous training opportunities.

Through this comprehensive cultural cooperation program, Morocco and China have taken a significant stride towards fostering mutual understanding, appreciating each other's rich heritage, and nurturing a shared commitment to preserving and promoting cultural diversity. This landmark agreement not only solidifies the strategic partnership between the two nations but also paves the way for a vibrant exchange of ideas, artistic expressions, and cultural traditions that transcend borders and unite peoples.