This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-MJC
Chellah’s archaeological site sheltered an official celebration on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Moroccan-Italian cooperation in the field of preservation and enhancement of the kingdom’s archaeological heritage (2015-2025).
This event, which has experienced the participation of high -level Moroccan and Italian officials, has been an opportunity to present the assessment of the projects carried out within the framework of this fruitful bilateral cooperation, which is part of the conversion agreement for public investment debt, signed by the governments of the two countries in 2013, encompassing the archaeological sites of Chellah, from Volubilis to Meknès, Laârache, for an envelope of 3 million euros.
In a circumstance speech, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, said that Morocco and Italy share exceptional links, ensuring that “the two countries of culture, homes of artistic innovation and creativity, have made the choice for centuries, of culture as a pillar of history”.
And to emphasize that under the aegis of His Majesty King Mohammed VI “Morocco has chosen an inclusive and global emergence. Making culture and human capital the base of this emergence”, adding that the preservation of heritage and its valuation with the public have become “requirements of our public policies”.
He put forward, moreover, the Italian archaeological school, noting that it “masters new technologies in the valuation of heritage”, stressing that “we share the same love of knowledge and the same mobilization for our heritage, by employing digitization and artificial intelligence as new instruments to get the past from a logic of silent heritage to that of a living heritage and in dialogue with the public”.
For its part, the Italy Ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barocco praised the celebration of a decade of bilateral cooperation in an essential field which is the preservation and enhancement of the Moroccan historical and archaeological heritage.
He added that the two countries “share a rich history in the Mediterranean basin”, highlighting the deep roots of cultural relations between the two countries.
The diplomat noted that the Moroccan community in Italy, which represents the largest community in the peninsula outside those from Europe, is “an example of integration and success, and a source of honor for Italy and Morocco”.
Mr. Barocco noted that his country has initiated his experience and his specialized institutions in order to contribute to the preservation of the greatest monument in Morocco, “this country which is distinguished by the beauty of nature and the nobility of history and heritage”.
The director of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, Isabelle Lucafieri, for its part, indicated that “Morocco and Italy share relations of centuries -old friendship and cooperation”, adding that projects to preserve and enhance Moroccan archaeological heritage are part of the major initiatives of Italian cooperation in Morocco.
In this context, she underlined that these projects were carried out in partnership with the Heritage Directorate, under the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and have encompassed three archaeological sites, noting that this direction signed an agreement with the University of Siena and the Higher Institute for the Conservation and Restoration of Italy, to initiate an exchange of experiences and use of high quality and precision techniques.
This celebration, organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, experienced the presentation of an opera recital made up of Airs of Rossini, Mozart and Verdi, under the acclamation of assistance.
