Dominican Embassy engages in cultural exchange at Moroccan Book Fair

Rabat, Morocco.- The Dominican Republic Embassy in Morocco actively participated in the Moroccan International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat from May 9 to 19, 2024, featuring historian Genaro Rodríguez Morel, an expert on 17th-century Santo Domingo based in Seville. UNESCO served as this year’s guest of honor institution.

The opening ceremony welcomed ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from accredited Latin American countries in Morocco.

Minister Counselor and Chargé d’Affaires Pablo Javier Nina, accompanied by Cultural Affairs Counselor Patricia Faxas, represented the Dominican Republic Embassy and managed the author’s agenda while coordinating with Mexico for the participation of regional countries at the literary fair. Diplomats commended Mexico’s efforts in coordinating the joint booth.

During the fair, Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, visited the Latin American stand themed “African Influence on Latin American Literature.” Diplomats presented him with books by various regional authors.

Rodríguez Morel’s panel, “La raíz criolla: cómo se forjó la identidad del pueblo dominicano,” chaired by Professor Abderrahman El Fathi from Abdelmalek Essaadi University of Tetouan, drew students, professors, diplomatic representatives, and an eager audience. Following the event, attendees continued discussions at the Dominican Republic stand. Before the panel, Rodríguez Morel engaged with professors and researchers at the university’s fair space.

A conference titled “Roots and Legacies: Presence of Slaves in Santo Domingo” was organized at Mohamed V University of Rabat, with welcoming remarks by Professor Abdelmouneim Bounou, Director of the Africa-Latin America and the Caribbean chair. Counselor Faxas moderated the session, concluding with a Q&A session reflecting attendees’ keen interest.

Before the conference, Rodríguez Morel and El Fathi met teachers and students at the academic center’s stand in Northern Morocco, fostering informal exchanges.

Minister Counselor Pablo Javier Nina hosted a gathering with the historian at the embassy residence, attended by ambassadors, Counselor Faxas, representatives of the Dominican diaspora, and associates of the diplomatic mission.