Panama city: Morocco has been selected as the Guest of Honor at the 21st Panama International Book Fair, marking its first participation of this kind in Latin America. This involvement underscores the growing multidimensional bilateral relations between Morocco and Panama, paralleling those established with several other Latin American countries.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this development stems from the Enlightened Vision and High Guidelines of His Majesty the King, aiming to enhance cultural exchange in a context of shared civilizational elements. This initiative is founded on the belief that culture serves as a bridge of cooperation and brotherhood between nations and their people. In this framework, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication is organizing a series of intellectual, heritage, and arts activities at the fair, providing attendees with a chance to explore Moroccan culture and heritage.
The Moroccan pavilion at the fair features a documentary exhibition showcasing a selection of books highlighting the heritage and contemporary aspects of Moroccan culture. It includes reproductions of illuminated manuscripts and a documentary collection that provides an overview of Morocco’s intellectual and creative output, with a focus on works written in Spanish.
Additionally, the pavilion displays paintings of significant Moroccan landmarks and figures, alongside a showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship, including traditional carpets that exemplify the nation’s aesthetic and cultural richness. Morocco has also arranged meetings and round tables on topics of mutual interest, such as Moroccan-Latin American relations, the diversity of Moroccan culture, and the shared Andalusian heritage. Poetry readings and book signings are part of the program as well.
The event includes activities targeted at children and young people, such as craft workshops on Moroccan weaving, pottery, and zellige, and storytelling sessions featuring Moroccan folk tales. Moroccan music is also prominently featured, with an artistic program including performances of Andalusian and Gnaoua music.
Launched under the theme ‘Building bridges with words,’ this week-long event seeks to promote Morocco’s cultural heritage through its intellectual, poetic, and artistic contributions. It aims to build a cultural bridge between Morocco and Panama, two countries separated by geography but united by shared values of friendship and cooperation, the press release concluded.