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Rabat – The 21st Panama International Book Fair has opened with Morocco as guest of honor, with a week of cultural, literary, and artistic encounters from August 11 to 17.
The inaugural ceremony brought together senior Panamanian officials, including the ministers of public security, culture, education, and social affairs, along with the vice minister responsible for foreign relations and cooperation.
Morocco’s ambassador to Panama, Bouchra Boudchiche, attended alongside Ghizlane Drous, director of books, libraries, and archives at Morocco’s Ministry of Youth.
Covering 135 square meters, Morocco’s pavilion presents Spanish-language publications by Moroccan authors, as well as research works and literature devoted to the country’s history, society, and heritage.
The Moroccan embassy in Panama described this invitation as the outcome of steady cultural cooperation between the two countries and an occasion to strengthen exchanges while advancing intercultural dialogue.
Panama’s ministers of Culture and Education, joined by the president of the Chamber of Books, expressed admiration for Morocco’s cultural diversity, long-standing traditions, and literary and artistic wealth.
They said in remarks at the ceremony that the country’s participation gives new substance to the fair’s motto, “Let’s Tie the Dialogue.”
Ambassador Boudchiche noted that Morocco places culture at the center of its development path and that the fair offers a stage to present Moroccan literary and artistic creativity, especially works in Spanish.
The ceremony featured Moroccan and Panamanian musical performances, with singer Nabyla Maân and a Gnaoua group adding color to the opening day.
In the days ahead, the pavilion will host activities for children to discover Moroccan heritage through drawing and patterns inspired by zellige and traditional embroidery.
A special debate will bring together the ambassadors of Morocco and the US to reflect on 250 years of cooperation between the two countries.
Morocco’s partnership with Panama deepened after a major diplomatic turning point in late 2024, when Panama formally ended its relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and voiced clear support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
