Latest news with #Moroccan-Italian


Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan historian Bahija Simou honored with Italian Order of Merit for cultural contributions
The director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the insignia of Commander of the Order of Merit of Italy for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and the Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. These insignia were presented to her by the Italian ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President of the Republic, during the celebration of his country's national day. According to Armando Barucco, this high distinction, of which only ten are awarded each year, pays tribute to «a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the enhancement of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy». An internationally recognized historian, Bahija Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on the political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, illustrated by numerous reference publications. She is also a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian Leonardo MedOr Foundation and plays a central role in Euro-Mediterranean academic meetings, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, Bahija Simou expressed her deep gratitude to the Italian authorities, praising «the honor and strong symbolism» of this distinction. She emphasized that her research on Italy highlights «the geopolitical importance of Morocco and Italy in the Euro-Mediterranean space». She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance towards Italy, which became, after independence, one of the kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by Mohammed V. Bahija Simou was keen to remind that this distinction «not only crowns a personal journey but also consecrates a commitment to a living, inclusive history that refuses to forget and values memories long kept in the shadows».


Maroc
4 days ago
- General
- Maroc
Italy Honors Royal Archives' Head for Promoting Morocco-Italy Cultural Dialogue
The Director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. The insignia were presented to Simou by the Italy's Ambassador to Morocco Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President, on the occasion of Italy's National Day celebration. According to Barucco, this prestigious award—of which only ten are awarded each year—pays tribute to a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the promotion of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as to the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy. An internationally recognized historian, Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, as evidenced by numerous landmark publications. As a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian foundation Leonardo MedOr, Simou plays a key role in Euro-Mediterranean academic forums, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, she praised "the strong symbolism" of this award, emphasizing that her research on Italy highlights "the geopolitical importance of both Morocco and Italy within the Euro-Mediterranean space." She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance toward Italy, which, following Morocco's independence, became one of the Kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by the late His Majesty Mohammed V. Simou noted that this award "does not only crown a personal journey, but also affirms a commitment to a living, inclusive history—one that resists oblivion and brings to light memories long kept in the shadows." (MAP: 04 June 2025)


Maroc
14-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Rabat Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Morocco-Italy Cooperation in Heritage Preservation
The archaeological site of Chellah in Rabat hosted an official celebration marking the 10th anniversary of Moroccan-Italian cooperation in preserving and promoting the Morocco's heritage (2015-2025). The event highlighted the outcomes of projects completed under this successful bilateral cooperation, with senior officials from both Morocco and Italy in attendance. This cooperation, part of the Debt-for-Development Swap Agreement, was signed by the governments of the two countries in 2013. It includes archaeological sites such as Chellah, Volubilis in Meknes, and Lixus in Larache, with a budget of €3 million. In a speech, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, stated that Morocco and Italy share exceptional ties, emphasizing that the two countries, centers of artistic innovation and creativity, have chosen culture as the cornerstone of their history for centuries. He further emphasized that under the leadership of His Majesty the King, Morocco has made the preservation and promotion of heritage a central priority in its public policies. For his part, the Italian Ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barocco, said that the two countries share a rich history in the Mediterranean basin, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural relations between them. The diplomat noted that the Moroccan community in Italy, which is the largest community in the peninsula outside of those from Europe, is an example of integration and success, and a source of pride for both Italy and Morocco. This celebration, organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, featured an opera recital consisting of arias by Rossini, Mozart, and Verdi, to the applause of the audience. MAP: 13 mai 2025


Maroc
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Moroccan-Italian Journalist Karima Moual Wins 2025 International Euro-Mediterranean Journalism Award
Moroccan-Italian journalist and writer Karima Moual won the 2025 International Euro-Mediterranean Award for Journalism on Wednesday in Rome, during a ceremony attended by representatives of international media, institutions, civil society, as well as realms of arts and diplomacy. The prize was awarded to Moual, described as 'one of the most authoritative journalists of Moroccan origin in Italy today, and one of the most influential and credible voices on the Euro-Mediterranean scene,' according to Dundar Kesapli, President of the Association of Mediterranean Journalists. The award, launched by the Association in collaboration with the Italian Sports Press Union, recognizes Moual's 'steadfast and unwavering commitment' to covering issues related to integration, migration, and intercultural dialogue between Europe and the Arab world, Kesapli added. In turn, Moual expressed to MAP her pride and joy at receiving this award, voicing her determination to continue "modestly" contributing to the cultural connection. 'Telling the story of my country of origin, Morocco and its economic, social and cultural growth is of vital importance to me as a journalist and writer,' she said, noting that this work has contributed to presenting a true image of the Kingdom in Italy. 'Our work is rooted in responsibility and credibility,' she added. MAP: 08 mai 2025