HIBAPRESS – Shafiq Anouri
Kenza El Ghali, the Moroccan Ambassador to Chile, recounted how she experienced the atmosphere of the U-20 World Cup, her connection to sports, and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, in an interview with "El Periodista TV" channel.
The Chilean channel stated in its introduction of the ambassador that El Ghali was an "unexpected champion in the recent U-20 World Cup, where her country's team was crowned champion after winning against Argentina in Santiago." The final tears after the Chileans chanted the name of Morocco. El Ghali explained in her interview that the Moroccan U-20 national team players were "like my children, I accompanied them as a mother," adding that she attended all the matches and was close to the players. The Moroccan ambassador continued during the interview conducted by journalist Francisco Martorell: "When the entire Santiago National Stadium chanted the name of Morocco, my eyes filled with tears. I felt the spirit of two peoples beating together." The ambassador's house in Chile… the house of all Moroccans. The ambassador confirmed that the success of the Moroccan team was not a coincidence, but rather the result of a state policy led by King Mohammed VI, explaining: "It was not surprising, but rather the result of years of investment, training, and support for youth." During the interview, El Ghali revealed that she oversaw the organization of two private air trips that transported 600 Moroccan fans to Chile specifically to support the team in the final match, following up: "My house is the house of all Moroccans. We received them with couscous, meat, and a lot of love." Sports as a tool for diplomacy. Away from football, the ambassador emphasized the value of sports as a tool for diplomacy, saying that "football unites where politics sometimes divides. Chile and Morocco are sister countries that share the same spirit of passion and respect." El Ghali revealed in this context that there are indeed contacts to organize a friendly match between Chile and Morocco, an initiative led by the National Football Federation and supported by the governments of both countries. Modern Morocco and the ally. El Ghali also talked about the economic and social progress that Morocco has witnessed in recent years, explaining that the Kingdom "chose to invest in education, infrastructure, and renewable energies. We are not a rich country, but we have a vision and will to develop." El Ghali concluded by saying: "I feel like I am Chilean and Moroccan at the same time, because I have found in this country a second home and a people with whom we share the same values: generosity, pride, and hope." Kenza El Ghali… the beloved personality in Chile. The "El Periodista" website pointed out at the end of its interview that after more than a decade El Ghali spent in Chile, the ambassador has become a respected and beloved figure, not only thanks to her diplomatic work, but also through her cultural and literary activities. The valuable source explained that the ambassador annually organizes the "Voices of Gabriela Mistral" event, during which ambassadors from various countries read poems by the Chilean poet, a Nobel laureate, in their original languages.
