"In Morocco, HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has been carrying a concrete requirement for culture and a real passion for the cultural fact since the beginning of his reign," said Hachimi Idrissi, who was speaking at the 10th solemn Chapter of the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood-Morocco which brings together writing professionals committed to the promotion and development of reading and culture in Morocco.

"The Moroccan landscape is dotted with great cultural and architectural achievements that give significant regional weight to our country thanks to the Royal action," he underlined.

"The grand theaters of Rabat and Casablanca, the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts, the blossoming of museums throughout the country, the modern festivals which rhythm the life of cities and the financial, global and generous support granted to cultural stakeholders in all disciplines, all form the foundation of a cultural policy that is on the verge of militancy," Hachimi Idrissi told an audience of prominent Moroccan and foreign personalities.

In that regard, the MAP Director-General cited the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, a "strategic" institution that perfectly reflects the royal ambition for culture, conducts a real cultural revival and drives an undeniable renewal of thought with a humanistic approach that unites countries and continents. "This institution has become a global center of gravity for rebuilding civilizations through knowledge, mutual respect and fruitful cultural ecumenism," he said.

Hachimi Idrissi voiced the pride of the Moroccan chapter of the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood in serving culture and contributing to understanding and friendship between peoples.

"Our pride in being at the service of culture is matched only by our pride in contributing to understanding and friendship between peoples," he stressed.

"We embrace our international affiliation as a guarantee of enrichment, peace, and coexistence between all, and everywhere," Hachimi Idrissi noted.

In his opinion, diversity, human quality and the sense of sharing among its members are the main characteristics of the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood-Morocco.

Being at the service of culture "is an honor that we live intimately. The honor of serving, transmitting and bringing people together. It is the foundation of our brotherhood and the deepest meaning of our commitment," the president of the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood -Morocco added.

"There is nothing more sublime and exhilarating than to see oneself as a cultural carrier acting from one shore to the other, from one culture to the another and from one civilization to the next. The idea of a bridge between civilizations is more productive for humanity than a thousand sterile warmongering impulses," he said.

For his part, Philippe Jourdan, Grand Master of the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood voiced, on this occasion, his happiness to take part in this reunion in Casablanca, three years after the last solemn chapter was held before the pandemic of Covid-19.

"We are happy to participate in this reunion which I hope will permanently turn the page of the frustrations we have experienced in recent years. With the arrival of spring, we can finally resume our passions and our dynamism within the Moroccan Brotherhood," he stated.

Jourdan also recalled that the main mission of the Brotherhood is to promote the printed word, reading and culture in all its forms.

"We are here, as in every great chapter, to celebrate the written word without reserve, with confidence and enthusiasm, so that the printed word survives, grows and becomes more beautiful," he explained.

"We can never say it enough, the written word is the conservatory of culture. The defense of culture is more vital than ever as we live under the threat of a real war," he insisted.

On the cultural influence of Morocco, "a multi-millennial country, heir of centuries of traditions," Jourdan noted that the culture is alive and shaped by several influences. Morocco was able to highlight its traditions while developing modernity that allowed the country to shine more on the global scene, he said.

The Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood/Morocco was created in April 2010 as a result of twinning with the Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood/France. It brings together writing professionals to develop reading and culture, by contributing to building a just and fraternal world through respect for all cultures.

The Gutenberg Companions Brotherhood was created in 1979 in France before expanding worldwide through twinning.