This edition, to held from October 29 to November 18, under the patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, at the initiative of the Foundation of the Forum of Assilah, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Department of Culture) and the commune of Assilah, will be marked by the organization of six symposiums dealing with current geopolitical issues and artistic and cultural activities.

Speaking at the opening of this event, Secretary General of the Foundation of the Forum of Assilah, Mohamed Benaissa, stressed that this edition evokes Arab, African and international current issues, as well as their cultural, political, economic and strategic implications, noting that it deals with matters likely to continue a renewed and deepened discussion, coupled with a futuristic and objective vision and issues related to the promotion of peace, security and stability at regional, continental and international levels.

Benaissa said, in this regard, that the African dimension in the foreign policy of the Kingdom, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has overcome the reluctance and outdated ideas to explore ways and opportunities for cooperation with sister African countries, noting that several reports have highlighted these efforts to establish win-win partnerships, based on promoting the development of the continent.

For his part, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, stressed that the International Cultural Moussem of Assilah has accumulated a long experience in dealing with political, cultural and economic issues, thanks to the participation of an array of intellectuals, politicians and economists in its activities, noting that the plurality of profiles of participants and the presence of decision-makers is an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Mohamed Sbihi, stressed that this event is a platform for exchange and dialogue, bringing together the most prominent figures in the world of thought, culture, politics, economics, media and arts around major contemporary issues, noting that the choice of this edition on the theme of the partnership between the Maghreb and the Sahel reflects the growing interest in this region internationally.

He noted that the Sahel region is facing serious challenges at all levels, including those related to climate change, population growth, food insecurity, the rise of separatism and terrorism, the destabilization of countries in the region and the exacerbation of migration problems, noting that there are now no less than 16 regional and international initiatives, mostly related to strengthening cooperation in the field of security and the fight against terrorism.