US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Rabat, capital of Morocco, for a visit to the North African country…reports Asian Lite News
During his visit, Blinken will meet with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and other senior government officials to exchange views on regional issues and bilateral cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the US Department of State.
He will also meet in Rabat Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss regional security and international developments before leaving for Algeria on Wednesday, according to the statement.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, called King Mohammed VI of Morocco to offer his condolences over the death of the Moroccan child Rayan Aourram, who passed away after he fell into a well for several days…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed said, “with great sorrow, I learned the news of the death of Rayan. I extended sincerest condolences to his parents, his family and the Moroccan people and I pray to Allah the Almighty to grant them patience and fortitude to bear his loss.”
Sheikh Mohamed also lauded the efforts made by the authorities and civil defence in Morocco to rescue the child.
King Mohammed VI expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his sincere feelings and wished the UAE and its people further progress and prosperity.
“Following the tragic incident which claimed the life of the child Rayan Aourram, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve him, had a telephone call with Mr. Khaled Aourram and Mrs. Ouassima Kharchich, parents of the deceased who died after he fell into a well,” a Moroccan royal statement said.
The boy plunged 32m through the well’s narrow opening. The rescue had been hampered by fears of a landslide. Rescuers finally brought the boy out of the well on Saturday evening.
Large crowds had gathered at the scene as Rayan was taken away by ambulance. On social media, people using the hashtag #SaveRayan, which had been trending across the country and beyond, expressed their jubilation. But this turned to heartbreak minutes later when the statement came announcing that Rayan had died.
The Moroccan government has extended the state of health emergency throughout the country until February 28, in a further attempt to curb the Covid-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News
The government’s spokesperson Mustapha Baitas announced the decision following the cabinet’s online meeting, adding that no decision yet was taken about the reopening of the country’s borders, reports Xinhua news agency.
The suspension of international passenger flights and the closure of Morocco’s borders came into force on November 29, 2021, to curb the spread of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants…reports Asian Lite News
Morocco celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Sunday with a visit by Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, an impressive aerobatic display by the Green March Moroccan Patrol, and a performance by one of the nation’s most eminent pianists, Marouan Benabdallah.
EXPO 2020 DUBAI
Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, accompanied by Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance in Morocco, was welcomed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said: “I am sincerely grateful for the warm reception accorded to the Moroccan delegation, and I congratulate the United Arab Emirates for their wonderful organisation of this World Expo. Our presence at Expo 2020 Dubai allows us to introduce our ancient heritage, plus our tourism, cultural and scientific achievements to the world.
“Morocco’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to actively contribute to an enriching dialogue at both regional and international levels for a safer and more stable future for all, while our pavilion is a platform to announce our new identity, ‘Morocco Now’, highlighting Morocco’s investment and industrial opportunities, particularly for foreign investment.”
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber welcomed Aziz Akhannouch to the UAE and to Expo 2020 Dubai.
He said that celebrating Morocco’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai reflects the strong relations between the two brotherly countries, the foundation of which was laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late King Al Hassan II.
He added that, thanks to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the keen following up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and King Mohammed VI, relations between the two countries are confidently heading towards a brighter future of political, economic, cultural and social cooperation.
said: “We share with the Kingdom of Morocco a common history, strong relations, as well as a common framework and active presence in the Arab and Islamic Worlds; which all serve as a strong base to expand partnerships and constructive collaboration for the benefit of our nations.”
“The UAE continues to work on strengthening its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco, and intensifying cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest, such as energy, agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, and others,” he added.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber noted that the UAEis the top Arab investor in Morocco, with a total of US$ 20 billion investments in 2022.
“I seize this opportunity to express thanks and gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s strong participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Morocco. I would also like to thank Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance and Commissioner of the Moroccan Pavilion and her team for the excellent participation in this global event.”
He praised the design of the Moroccan Pavilion.
Located in the Opportunity District, the Morocco Pavilion gives visitors an immersive experience through a continuous ramp that reflects Moroccan streets, and its Wast Eddar, ‘heart of the home’, patio. The pavilion’s theme, ‘Legacies for the future – from inspiring origins to sustainable progress’, invites visitors to (re)discover the Kingdom, along with its history, identity, tangible achievements and vision for the future. It includes a climb to the top of the vertical earthen village for spectacular views of Expo 2020.
The Moroccan-Hungarian pianist Marouan Benabdallah’s repertoire ranges from classical music to tunes from the Middle East and North Africa. He often performs remarkable finds from composers from Syria, Algeria, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and his native Morocco.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
Mohamed bin Zayed receives Prime Minister of Morocco
They also reviewed the latest developments in the Arab region and exchanged views over a number of regional and international issues of common interest…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, who is currently on a working visit to the UAE.
Mohamed bin Zayed receives Prime Minister of Morocco
During the meeting, His Highness welcomed the Moroccan premier, wishing him a successful visit and a pleasant stay in the UAE.
The Moroccan prime minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed, wishing continued progress and prosperity to the UAE and its people.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his warmest regards to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, wishing him continued good health and progress and development for the Kingdom of Morocco and its people under his wise leadership.
His Highness also congratulated the Moroccan Prime Minister on King of Morocco’s trust in him to head the Moroccan Government, wishing him success in his duties to serve his country and achieve the aspirations of his people for development and prosperity.
The two sides discussed, during the meeting, which was attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the prospects of further consolidating the fraternal relations between the two nations and the various aspects of cooperation, especially in areas of investment and economy, with a view to spurring the development drive in the two countries for the higher good of their peoples.
They also reviewed the latest developments in the Arab region and exchanged views over a number of regional and international issues of common interest.
The discussions touched on the now-running Expo 2020 Dubai and the importance of the Arab countries’ participation therein to share the latest innovations and solutions with various participating countries in areas of sustainability for the common good of humanity at large and wellbeing of all world peoples.
The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates also attended the meeting from the Moroccan side.
Morocco's coast guards rescue 352 migrants off coasts
Morocco’s coast guards have rescued 352 illegal migrants off coasts in the past four days, the Moroccan military said…reports Asian Lite News
The majority of the rescued migrants are from sub-Saharan African countries, and they were trying to reach Europe in makeshift boats, the Xinhua news agency reported citing MAP news agency.
Morocco’s coast guards rescue 352 migrants off coasts
The rescued received the first aid from the navy units, and were brought safely to the neighbouring ports, the report added.
Morocco has banned all New Year’s Eve celebrations as part of measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News
According to a statement by the Moroccan government, the ban also includes parties and special events organised in hotels, restaurants and tourist establishments, reports Xinhua news agency.
A night curfew on New Year’s Eve will be implemented from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., the statement added.
Morocco bans New Year Eve celebrations
The decision aims to strengthen the preventive measures necessary to curb the spread of the Covid-19, it said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reported 102 new Covid-19 infections on Monday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 952,916.
An online petition has been launched asking Morocco to cancel the extradition order of Idres Hasan, an Uyghur man, to China and immediately release him…reports Asian Lite News
The petition said at the current moment, millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims including many family members of Uyghurs across the global diaspora are currently locked up in Chinese concentration camps tortured, killed and sentenced to long term imprisonment.
Morocco Urged to Reject China Plea To Extradite Uyghur Activist
Harm of Chinese persecution is not limited to the people inside East Turkistan, Uyghurs around the world are facing persecution by the countries who had close economic and diplomatic relationship with China as China labelling every Uyghur Muslims as a terrorist.
Hasan, a 34-year-old computer software programmer and father of three young children, was arrested on July 23 while travelling from Turkey to Morocco and taken to prison near to the Tiflet town.
Morocco suspends regular int’l flights over Omicron variant
Morocco will suspend all regular international passenger flights for two weeks over concern about the new Covid-19 variant Omicron…reports Asian Lite News
The suspension will come into effect starting Monday’s midnight, the Moroccan Monitoring Committee of Covid-19 said on Sunday in a statement.
Morocco suspends regular int’l flights over Omicron variant
The decision has been taken due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, so as to preserve Morocco’s achievements in managing pandemic, it added.
The Moroccan Ministry of Health reported 116 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 949,648, Xinhua news agency reported.
African Development Bank approves $135mn to help Morocco's recovery
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved for Morocco a loan of $135 million to stimulate recovery in the post-Covid 19 era…reports Asian Lite News
The Board of Directors of the AfDB Group approved the loan to help the North African country by implementing financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and support programme for small and medium-sized enterprises, the report published on Wednesday said.
African Development Bank approves $135mn to help Morocco’s recovery
Additionally, the loan will also enable companies in financial difficulty to resume their activities and safeguard jobs, Xinhua news agency reported.
