Rabat – June 24, 2024
The “Bayt Al-Maqdis” Center for Research and Studies was inaugurated today at the headquarters of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ) in Rabat. The event was attended by a high-level Palestinian delegation visiting Morocco, led by Ashraf Al-Awar, the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs in the new Palestinian government. Also in attendance were Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication in Morocco, Dr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, the director in charge of the current affairs of BMAQ, along with ambassadors from several Arab countries accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.
This new project falls within the framework of the Agency’s efforts to document and disseminate knowledge and nurture young researchers who are passionate about revitalizing our collective memory with the details of an accurate narrative of the Palestinian cause.
In his speech on the occasion, Echarkaoui emphasized that the presence of the Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghrib in the heart of Jerusalem will play a role in promoting the radiation of the Moroccan civilization, introducing its tributaries and values, not only in Palestine, but across the Levant and the entire Middle East. It symbolizes the Moroccans’ belief, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, may God protect him, to the values of freedom, justice, and peace.
He added, ” the Moroccan Studies Chair at Al-Quds University represents, for the Agency and its partners at Al-Quds University in particular, a symbol of the historical and symbolic cohesion between Moroccans and Palestinians.”
For his part, Dr. Ashraf Al-Awar, the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs in the new Palestinian government, praised Morocco’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, especially during these challenging times that the city of Jerusalem is going through.
He noted that the inauguration of the “Bayt Al-Maqdis” Center for Research and Studies is a continuation of the ongoing support from the Al-Quds Committee, chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Al-Awar emphasized that the continuous interventions of the BMAQ Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee, in the holy city and its implementation of developmental and relief projects serve as a lifeline that strengthens the resilience of the Jerusalemites. These efforts meet their urgent needs and reflect Morocco’s deep and ongoing commitment to Jerusalem and its people.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication in Morocco, stated that the inauguration of the the “Bayt Al-Maqdis” Center for Research and Studies is expected to significantly boost interest in the history of Jerusalem and Palestine, as well as their shared history with Morocco. This initiative will foster academic collaboration between Morocco and Palestine.
He affirmed in this regard Morocco’s historical and steadfast position regarding the Palestinian cause, which His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, considers at the level of Morocco’s primary national cause.
He underscored that Morocco will continue its efforts to defend the sanctities, foremost among them Al-Quds Al-Sharif, which His Majesty the King holds in special regard through political, diplomatic, and humanitarian roles.
