Rabat (Special) – On Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Minister Ahmad Assaf, the General Supervisor of Palestinian Official Media in the state of Plaestine, visited the BMAQ’s headquarters in Rabat, leading a delegation from various the Palestinian official media institutions. During the visit, the minister was briefed on some of the Agency’s activities and programs in Jerusalem.
At the start of their visit, the Palestinian delegation toured the permanent exhibition of the Al-Quds Committee. The exhibition features both Moroccan and Palestinian sections, accompanied by photo displays that highlight the committee’s key historical milestones and the achievements of the BMAQ) Agency , as well as the Palestinian cultural heritage.
The Agency screened a short film for the delegation that focused on both the Al-Quds Committee and BMAQ. In addition, another film was presented regarding the Al-Quds Sharif Award for Excellence in Journalism in the realm of developmental media. The delegation also attended a presentation on the Moroccan Cultural Center, known as Bayt Al-Maghrib, in Jerusalem.
In his speech on the occasion, Dr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, the director in charge of running BMAQ, emphasized that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, holds the responsibility of defending the city of Al-Quds, preserving its religious and cultural heritage, and upholding its legal status, while supporting the Palestinian cause. This commitment is reflected in His Majesty’s directives to Moroccan diplomacy on one hand, and to the BMAQ Agency on the other, to carry out tangible and unwavering solidarity efforts with the Palestinian people and their legitimate institutions.
In the realm of media and communication, Echarkaoui emphasized the Agency’s initiatives, such as the creation of the “Annual Award for Excellence in Developmental Media,” targeting students from media institutes in Morocco and Palestine. He also highlighted the allocation of an annual financial grant to support media freedom in Palestine, funded by the “Arribat” Monitoring and Evaluation Observatory , which operates under the Agency in Jerusalem. Additionally, the Agency awards a Medal of Valor to individuals and institutions in Palestinian journalism and media, promoting a culture of safety and protection while reporting in conflict zones.
The Palestinian minister expressed his gratitude to the Agency officials for providing the Palestinian media delegation the opportunity to witness the substantial efforts being made in support of Jerusalem. He remarked, “What we have seen of the remarkable work and dedication confirms that we are in a highly advanced operations hub—one we consider to be on the front lines of defending our Palestinian people. We are proud of your efforts for this holy city.”
The Palestinian official emphasized that the work of the Agency directly supports the most crucial battle the Palestinian people are currently fighting—the battle for steadfastness and remaining on their land, particularly when this resilience involves the residents of Jerusalem. He added, “This city is being targeted by the Israeli occupation authorities with their measures and plans aimed at erasing the Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic presence.”
The Plalestinian minister reiterated his gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, for his personal supervision in supporting Jerusalem and its people, as well as to the BMAQ Agency and all officials in the Kingdom of Morocco. He stated, “We greatly appreciate this invaluable support, whether political, financial, or through direct assistance to our people in Jerusalem, which bolsters their resilience in countering Israeli plans.”
At the end of the meeting, attended by the Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco, Jamal Al-Shobaki, Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui , the dirictor running BMAQ, presented a commemorative plaque to the General Supervisor of Palestinian Official Media in recognition of the role played by Palestinian media. In turn, the Supervisor of Palestinian Media presented a commemorative plaque to the director of the Agency in appreciation of its efforts and contributions in the Holy City, under the direct supervision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
