US and Morocco Explore Cultural Heritage Protection Agreement

With the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Othman El Ferdaous, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary explored the range of cultural exchange opportunities between Morocco and her country, known for its experience in the field of preservation of cultural heritage sites, particularly in the field of historical preservation, the statement said.

"We hope to make significant progress towards signing an agreement that would allow our cultural institutions and authorities to work together to protect Moroccan cultural heritage from looting and trafficking, and to promote expanded cultural exchange between our countries," Royce said.

Since 2002, more than $860,000 has been invested in 11 projects by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the statement added, noting that USAID is developing a $3 million program to promote religious tolerance and community efforts to preserve the cultural heritage sites of religious and ethnic minorities in Morocco.

During her visit, the Deputy Assistant Secretary visited the Nahon Synagogue in the Tangier medina, a symbol of Morocco’s religious diversity and the promotion of interfaith understanding.