Shanghai - André Azoulay, King Mohammed VI's Adviser and president of the Anna Lindh Foundation, , highlighted on Wednesday the pioneering, insightful, and proactive approach of cultural policy implemented by Morocco.
He stressed that King Mohammed VI has chosen to lay the foundations of a Moroccan social project based on the depth of Moroccan civilization and the legitimacy of a national consensus to strengthen the spiritual and cultural leadership of our country in the Mediterranean region and the world.
Mr. André Azoulay delivered a speech at the opening session of the 3rd Taihu World Cultural Forum in Shanghai, which was attended by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, Congolese president Sassou Nguesso, and high-level officials of the Chinese Communist Party.
Azoulay highlighted the historic step taken by Morocco in July 2011 to adopt a new constitution, establishing the permanence and the exceptional richness of Moroccan cultural, spiritual, and social diversity.
"Over five centuries ago, Maimonides, Ibn Maimoun, lived as an Arab and Mediterranean citizen," said Azoulay.
"While he used the Greek language to express his thought, he prayed in Hebrew. It is on such a legacy of exemplary social modernity and cultural diversity of our founding civilizations that Morocco, my country, has chosen to focus and grow," he added. The 3rd Taihu World Cultural Forum will be attended by nearly 500 guests, including politicians, famous scholars, business leaders, and media professionals. It will discuss in depth the meaning and features of each nation's “soft power” and explore ways to interact through extensive cultural exchanges, promote understanding of others' culture and society, reduce misunderstanding, and strengthen mutual trust.
The keynote speakers at the opening session of the forum included Nassir Abdulaziz Nasser, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, former Prime Ministers D. de Villepin of France, B. Ahern of Ireland, and many other prominent political, academic, and cultural figures from Asia, Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
MWN with MAP