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Rabat — Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco represented King Mohammed VI at the grand reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday.
President Emmanuel Macron and his First Lady Brigitte welcomed the prince, whose visit comes as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
The ceremony included a film showing the restoration project of the cathedral and a tribute to the rescuers and builders of Notre Dame. The occasion also included a parade of 160 firefighters as well as a musical performance by violinists Renaud and Gauthier Capucon.
During the ceremony, Macron delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to everyone who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame de Paris.
Pope Francis also made a speech read by the Apolostilic Nuncio, in which he paid tribute to the remarkable works by everyone who contributed to saving the cathedral.
A devastating fire destroyed the church in 2019. The reconstruction and restoration of the cathedral took five years, mobilizing hundreds of workers from different crafts.
The cathedral is one of the world’s historical masterpieces, showcasing Gothic art over 860 years old.
The prince’s meeting with Macron came a few months after the French president’s State visit to Morocco. During the visit, Macron renewed his country’s determination to continue boosting bilateral ties, and expressed Paris’ position that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within Morocco’s sovereignty.
The remarks reaffirm France’s recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.
