French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Moroccan Pavilion on Friday at the Paris Book Festival, where Morocco is this year’s guest of honor.
Accompanied by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, Macron was received at the pavilion by Moroccan Youth, Culture and Communication Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail.
The visit began with the national anthems of both countries, performed by Moroccan singer Nabila Maan, followed by a guided tour of the 330-square-meter pavilion, which showcases the country’s literary heritage and contemporary authors.
Macron met with Moroccan writers and publishers, highlighting the strength of French-Moroccan cultural ties. Speaking to reporters afterward, the French president said he was "proud” and “happy" to welcome Morocco as guest of honor, and praised the “sensitive, deep, and loving” relationship between the two countries.
Expressing his thanks His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his leadership, Macron noted the role of Moroccan authors in enriching the ongoing cultural dialogue between the two nations.
The Moroccan Pavilion includes five thematic areas: a maritime history section featuring ancient maps and sailor stories; the “Hiwar” dialogue space for exchanges between authors and the public; a book signing area; a youth corner offering interactive workshops; and a section dedicated to Moroccan publishers and booksellers.
The Paris Book Festival runs from April 11 to 13 at the Grand Palais Éphémère in the French capital.
