Ramallah - The Palestinian Forum of Graduates of Moroccan Universities(Ribat) was launched on Tuesday at the Palestine LiberationOrganization (PLO) headquarters in Ramallah, with the participation of Palestinian political, diplomatic and academicfigures, including Morocco’s Ambassador, AbderrahimMeziane.
In his address, Forum President Mohammed Al-Hajj Qassemsaid the initiative aims to “strengthen human ties and academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries” by establishing a permanent network of Palestinian graduatesof Moroccan universities to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise and foster academic and cultural cooperation.
Al-Hajj Qassem stressed that the Forum would serve not merely as an organisational framework for graduates, but alsoas a platform for applying the knowledge and expertise theygained at Moroccan universities to benefit Palestinian society and its institutions, while strengthening the historic fraternalties between the two peoples. He added that this would beachieved through practical initiatives aimed at building the capacity of Palestinian institutions.
The Forum’s President noted that graduates return withacademic qualifications, valuable experiences and lasting tiesto Morocco and its people. He expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom, its leadership, government and people, as wellas to the professors and university staff whose efforts supported Palestinian students throughout their studies.
Wasil Abu Youssef, a member of the PLO ExecutiveCommittee, underscored the Forum’s role in fostering closerties between Palestine and Morocco. He praised Morocco’ssteadfast support for the Palestinian cause through its political, educational and humanitarian engagement.
He also drew attention to the “difficult circumstances” facingthe Palestinian people amid the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, escalating attacks in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and attempts to impose new realities on the ground.
Morocco’s Ambassador to the State of Palestine, AbderrahimMeziane, described the Forum’s launch at the PLO headquarters, in the presence of national leaders and prominent figures, as a “community-led initiative” reflectingthe strong bonds between the two peoples. The Forum bringstogether Palestinian graduates of Moroccan universities, whoreturn to Palestine with valuable expertise and lasting connections to Morocco and its people.
Meziane highlighted the centuries-old ties between Moroccoand Jerusalem and the special importance His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, attaches to the Palestinian cause. He noted the King’scommitment to strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmedMorocco’s readiness to expand academic, cultural, social and professional cooperation with Palestinian institutions.
Laila Ghannam, Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh and a member of Fatah’s Central Committee, welcomed the launchof the Forum, highlighting the importance of bringing togetherPalestinian graduates of Moroccan universities and drawingon their expertise to serve Palestinian society and strengthenbilateral ties.
Ghannam stressed the importance of sustaining support for the Palestinian people amid the difficult circumstances they face, with particular attention to Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. She described supporting Palestine as a national responsibility that requires sustained efforts and initiatives across all forums.
Jamal Al-Shobaki, Secretary of Fatah’s RevolutionaryCouncil, spoke of his wife’s doctoral studies at Mohammed V University, noting that the experience “strengthened the family’s ties with Morocco and its people.” He added thatPalestinian graduates generally return home with lasting affection for and appreciation of the Moroccan society thatwelcomed them.
Al-Shobaki recalled key milestones in Morocco’slongstanding support for the Palestinian cause, including the late King Hassan II’s efforts to secure recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimaterepresentative of the Palestinian people. He highlightedMorocco’s continued support for Palestinian national rights, alongside its social and humanitarian assistance, and commended the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency’s efforts to support Jerusalemites, particularly through programmes in education, healthcare and social assistance.
