Lebanese Ministry of Information
Moroccan Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohamed Ikrin, considered that “Lebanon is the dream of every Arab who seeks to live in coexistence and modernity, because it is a message.”
He noted that the dark cloud that has hung over relations between Lebanon and Morocco for five years has begun to clear, “as there is a new situation in Lebanon that we welcome, while taking into account all necessary precautions to protect Morocco within our sovereign decisions.”
Ambassador Ikrin’s words came in an interview with “Radio Lebanon” today, marking the “Moroccan Throne Day”, which was held in the presence of Information Ministry Director-General, Dr. Hassan Falha.
Ambassador Ikrin explained that “the issue of Lebanese obtaining visas to Morocco is not political, but rather due to the existence of fears since Morocco has a procedure for realistic considerations that impose themselves and matters are clear to everyone.” However, the Ambassador assured that facilities are provided to the largest possible number of Lebanese by studying the personal file of each person individually, instead of in groups. He added, “Lebanese citizens who have obtained a visa for 120 countries – including the Schengen – can now obtain a visa to Morocco upon submitting it online within 72 hours, whether from inside Lebanon or abroad.”
In response to a question about Moroccans coming to Lebanon for tourism, he said, “After communicating with more than 30 travel agencies and Royal Air Maroc, we found that there is a type of tourism that Moroccans can only find in Lebanon: diverse family and religious entertainment tourism, with the presence of the Arabic language.”
On the relationship with Lebanon, he pointed out that “Moroccan diplomacy is built on the foundations of cooperation, solidarity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of any country, especially sister countries. However, non-interference does not mean a lack of protection and follow-up. We rejoice in all of Lebanon’s achievements and are saddened by anything that befalls it. We are always ready to help if requested through institutional channels, as in the wake of the Beirut port explosion, when assistance was provided within our capabilities, and without fanfare, to Lebanon and the Lebanese Army, as well as through personal assistance from His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.”
Finally, Ambassador Ikrin expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of “one of the pillars of Arab creativity” in Lebanon with the passing of artist Ziad Rahbani, offering his condolences to the Lebanese people and his mother, Mrs. Fairuz.
