Morocco is a unique model of coexistence, says Moroccan Ambassador to the Holy See

Morocco has been a unique model of coexistence and convergence of cultures, religions, and civilizations for several centuries, said the ambassador of the Kingdom to the Holy See, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui.

“As a champion of a tolerant and moderate Islam throughout its history until today, Morocco has always been a land of cohabitation, tolerance, and interaction between Muslims and followers of other religions,” the Moroccan diplomat said in an interview published by the Italian magazine Ex Partibus on Wednesday.

The ambassador praised the uniqueness of the Moroccan religious system, as well as its role in ensuring that Islamic principles and values are adhered to, noting the efforts King Mohammed VI has made to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

In fact, Moroccans have preserved their multicultural roots through the model of interaction and coexistence between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, said Mekkaoui, noting that all of these tributaries have been recognized by the 2011 Constitution, which assisted the Kingdom in enhancing its diversity, unity, identity, and cosmopolitanism.

Moroccans are proud to share their heritage based both in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Andalusia of Europe. The heritage is an asset for the future of their country and thus the heritage of the Moroccan people, she said.

In Morocco, an ethos of openness, brotherhood, tolerance, and peace has always been cultivated during the reign of the Alawite dynasty, the ambassador said.

In this respect, the efforts of the late King Hassan II, who fought for peace and dialogue between monotheistic religions, and the late King Mohammed V, who refused to hand over Moroccan Jews during the Vichy regime, should be remembered.

This is demonstrated every day with the example set by King Mohammed VI, who made the Kingdom an exception in the region.

It is a well-deserved distinction that pays homage to the King, a world leader in the promotion of peace, reconciliation, and the fight against extremism and radicalism, as well as to Morocco, an extremely unique and emblematic country with a very important history concerning interfaith coexistence.