Switzerland launched the centenary of its diplomatic presence in Morocco at the Royal Academy in Rabat this Tuesday, providing an opportunity for the public to review key moments of bilateral relations and observe activities planned to celebrate this important milestone. did. year.
In a special address, the Chancellor of the Kingdom of Academy, Mohamed Ketani, said that the beginning of the 21st century was marked by the strengthening of Moroccan-Swiss diplomatic relations with a partnership that has been developing over the years. commercial, cultural and environmental levels. The holding of the event, the first in a long series of conferences to be given by eminent scholars from both countries, falls within the framework of the intended purpose for the Kingdom of Academy by its founder the late Hassan II. Make this institution the center of knowledge and wisdom, outlined Kettani. It is also part of the strategic objectives set by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to draw inspiration from pioneering experiences in the field of culture and development to promote science and culture in Morocco. , he continued. A will contained in Law 19.74, which provides for the contribution of the Academy of the Kingdom to the achievement of the intellectual, scientific and cultural renaissance of the State, while playing its role in the dissemination of universal values, to ascertain the various aspects of the national identity and . And the principles rooted in the dialogue of cultures and civilizations, Ketani said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Techniques, Omar Fasi Fehri, said that this anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the many beneficial aspects that have characterized a century of excellent relations between the two countries. “What better way to celebrate this century than through a series of conferences delivered throughout the year by eminent professors working in Switzerland on a particularly relevant topic”, he said. – They said. Thus it will be a question of the role of computers and artificial intelligence, how the digital revolution is helping to combat Covid-19, or of cooperation between countries of the north and countries of the south, particularly through the Moroccan-Swiss experience. . It is a rich program that fuses science, innovation and culture to ensure that the two partners emerge winners, explained Mr. Fassi Fehri.
The Swiss ambassador to Rabat, Guillaume Scheuer, for his part, said that such an anniversary should be celebrated “not out of duty, but with joy and pride”, as it provides a unique opportunity to advance the beneficial aspects that Both the countries are able to gain from these bilateral relations. The Swiss diplomat argued that this would make it possible to lay the foundation for future cooperation and to plan together towards the next century. “It is with the Kingdom of the Academy and Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Techniques, these guardians and promoters of knowledge in Morocco, that we are promoting Swiss and Moroccan innovation through a cycle of seven conferences organized under the theme “Innovation and”. Will uncover. Questions of the present day”. Switzerland, which ranks at the top of the ranking of the most innovative countries every year and has a very competitive economic sector, seeks to take advantage of the Kingdom’s presence in Africa to offer attractive solutions to its Moroccan partners, Scheurer says.
For his part, Director-General Fouad Yazou, Ambassador for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Political Affairs in Morocco living abroad, said that these festivities provide an opportunity to examine ways of spending at the top speed in cooperation between the two countries. Huh. Relations between Morocco and Switzerland are particularly excellent thanks to the peace and quality of listening between the two countries. He said that this anniversary would be an opportunity to orient this relationship towards greater diversity. He recalled that the two countries were characterized by their diversity and understood that this could be the source of their strength. These speeches were followed by a historic conference which explored the important moments of bilateral relations between the two countries. The Swiss innovation was then followed with a welcome ceremony in the presence of Robocallet and “Can Take Save the World?” was highlighted by the exhibition, which presents Swiss solutions to protect the environment.
The ceremony marked the launch of activities planned for 2021 to commemorate this important anniversary. The program of activities includes a cycle of seven conferences, notably in cooperation with the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technology.
The inaugural conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Myths and Realities”, will be delivered on 24 June by Professor Rachid Guerrouei at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. Other activities with other partners should promote cultural, commercial and artistic exchanges and help bring the two countries closer together while promoting their respective strengths. A week of Swiss films and documentaries in Rabat, Tangier, Agadir and Casablanca is also planned around the themes of renewable energy, sustainable development and new technologies.
The play “Les Physicians” by Swiss playwright Friedrich Durenmatt will be staged and performed by a Moroccan troupe, while the University of Geneva exhibition “Reserved Quarter: Boosbeer” will be presented at the Villa des Arts in Casablanca. On November 19, 1921, Switzerland opened its first consulate in Morocco in Casablanca, a date that would remain a pivotal moment in relations between the two countries.