Morocco Promotes Religious Freedom Model Amid Global Terrorism Concerns

During the ministerial conference for the promotion of religious freedom organized by videoconference by Poland and the United States, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, condemned this situation that has been in vogue for a few years. In his speech, the head of Moroccan diplomacy recalled the unique model of Morocco where King Mohammed VI is the Commander of the Faithful and guarantor of freedom of worship. According to him, the Moroccan approach was based on three aspects, namely foresight, openness and pragmatism.

"Morocco’s conviction is that religion is being diverted when it should be a vector of unity in the face of divisions advocating the denial of the other, a factor of dialogue in the face of the refusal of tolerance and coexistence and a source of light in the face of obscurantist currents that refuse moderation and remain in ignorance," said the head of Moroccan diplomacy.

As examples, he cited certain institutions set up by his country, such as the Institution of the Commandery of the Faithful established to protect Jewish fellow citizens from the barbarity of Nazism and to support the restoration of mosques and synagogues as well as other scientific and cultural institutions such as the House of Memory in Essaouira and the Museum of Jewish Culture in Fez.

Referring to the King’s speech during the visit of Pope Francis to Morocco, he recalled one of the King’s quotes which is to "embrace the values of moderation, to realize the imperatives of co-knowledge and to apprehend the consciousness of otherness" to live in a better world.