Rabat – Morocco’s ambassador to the US, Youssef El Amrani, outlined Morocco’s interfaith and coexistence approach during a seminar on Monday in Washington.
The event, organized by the American Council on Foreign Policy, discussed the “religious authority and state authority” theme.
“In the midst of our discussion on the relationship between religion and state, the Moroccan approach offers a unique model for an integrated and comprehensive understanding of national identity and faith,” Amrani said at the event, recalling King Mohammed VI’s vision to promote interfaith dialogue and coexistence between all religions.
The Moroccan monarchy has always been “at the core of the relationship between religion and state, based on a central institution,” he argued, noting that King Mohammed VI relies on “strong institutions and special mechanisms” to prevent root the causes of extremism, dismantle hate speech, and immunize the Moroccan public against extremism by drying up its sources.
According to the ambassador, this approach spans across different fields, protecting the pluralistic nature identity, enriching religious heritage, and reviewing educational curricula to promote values of coexistence, harmony, and tolerance. He cited Morocco’s efforts incorporating the history and culture of Jews, and engaging the community in confronting extremist ideologies and socio-economic factors that could lead to this issue, the ambassador emphasized.
“The Moroccan model is not just about policies but reflects our values and commitment to a world governed by peace and mutual respect,” Amrani added.
Several reports and international public figures emphasized Morocco’s leadership in promoting interreligious dialogue.
The latest remarks came from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican in Rome, who praised Morocco’s efforts in contributing to promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Last year in September, the US State Department also emphasized Morocco’s approach to promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance.
“Religious tolerance is a hallmark of Morocco’s history, from the reception of refugees fleeing the Iberian Peninsula in the late fifteenth century, to the efforts of the late King Mohammed V to protect Jews during World War II,” the report from the State Department said, noting Morocco’s enduring tradition of religious inclusivity, extending over centuries.
