A landmark partnership between the cities of Tétouan and Essaouira reached a significant milestone this weekend with the joint launch of the “University of Science, Culture, and Heritage” project. The announcement was made by André Azoulay, Royal Advisor and founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, during the opening of the 1st edition of the “Soul of Al Andalus” Colloquium held in Tétouan on Friday evening.
Azoulay hailed the collaboration as “innovative, legitimate, and rich with promise,” emphasizing the shared cultural and historical ties between the two cities, both renowned for their commitment to the arts and cultural heritage. He noted that the partnership aims to unite the cities’ strengths and ambitions for a prosperous future built on shared cultural values.
“Essaouira and Tétouan have every reason to pool their assets to do more and better together, today and tomorrow,” said Azoulay, highlighting the importance of culture and the arts at the heart of their shared priorities.
The event saw the attendance of nearly 1,500 people, underscoring broad support for the partnership. Azoulay also took the opportunity to reaffirm Morocco’s leadership on the international stage, noting the country’s role in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence despite global challenges.
In addition to the launch of the project, the event featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the revitalization of Tétouan’s former bus station, “Al Azhar,” which will become the future home of the new university. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to preserve and promote Morocco’s cultural heritage.
The “Soul of Al Andalus” Colloquium, organized by local authorities, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, and cultural institutions, highlights the crucial role that Essaouira and Tétouan play in preserving Morocco’s rich history and fostering cross-cultural coexistence.
The event also celebrated Azoulay’s ongoing commitment to cultural initiatives and his tireless work promoting Morocco’s plural identity both at home and abroad.
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