Home » “International Conference in Granada Highlights Role of Cultural Diplomacy Between Morocco and Spain”

“International Conference in Granada Highlights Role of Cultural Diplomacy Between Morocco and Spain”


Grenade – July 18, 2025

The Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers organized an international conference on July 18, 2025, at the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Grenade (Spain). The conference was themed: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain.”

The conference featured a rich and varied program of activities for a wide audience: presentations, networking and exchange meetings, and a promotional announcement of a film titled “Tariq,” which will be shot in both Morocco and Spain. The event brought together Moroccan and Spanish experts, artists, intellectuals, filmmakers, and journalists.

On this occasion, Ms. María Ortega Castillo, Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Víznar in the province of Grenade, stated: “On behalf of the municipality of Víznar, I wanted to be here today primarily to support and highlight the importance of this type of initiative, which illustrates the relevance of cultural diplomacy in a context marked by hatred, conflicts, marginalization, and racism—phenomena that we are currently experiencing in several regions of Spain and which have become particularly visible recently.”

Ms. Ortega, also a municipal councilor in charge of culture, education, and equality, added: “I think that this press conference and the presentation of the film ‘Tariq’ are a clear example of the type of initiatives in which all public actors and citizens should participate. It is very important to be here today to talk about building bridges and sharing a culture that we actually already have in common.”

She continued: “People must understand that we have much more in common than what divides us, and these common points make us collectively stronger. That
[19/07 18:57] Meta AI: ترجمة البيان الصحفي إلى الإنجليزية:

Press Release on an International Conference titled: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain”
Organized by the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers
Grenade – July 18, 2025

The Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers organized an international conference on July 18, 2025, at the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Grenade (Spain). The conference was themed: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain.”

The conference featured a rich and varied program of activities for a wide audience: presentations, networking and exchange meetings, and a promotional announcement of a film titled “Tariq,” which will be shot in both Morocco and Spain. The event brought together Moroccan and Spanish experts, artists, intellectuals, filmmakers, and journalists.

On this occasion, Ms. María Ortega Castillo, Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Víznar in the province of Grenade, stated: “On behalf of the municipality of Víznar, I wanted to be here today primarily to support and highlight the importance of this type of initiative, which illustrates the relevance of cultural diplomacy in a context marked by hatred, conflicts, marginalization, and racism—phenomena that we are currently experiencing in several regions of Spain and which have become particularly visible recently.”

Ms. Ortega, also a municipal councilor in charge of culture, education, and equality, added: “I think that this press conference and the presentation of the film ‘Tariq’ are a clear example of the type of initiatives in which all public actors and citizens should participate. It is very important to be here today to talk about building bridges and sharing a culture that we actually already have in common.”

She continued: “People must understand that we have much more in common than what divides us, and these common points make us collectively stronger. That is why I consider it necessary to organize events like this between Spain and Morocco.”

Ms. Ortega concluded by saying: “It was also very important today to get acquainted with the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers and to discover the constructive work they are doing. The discourse of its members was marked by cordiality and cooperation. It is essential to get to know them better and to work together to strengthen these networks and bridges that we must build gradually. This is, in my view, fundamental.”

Spanish director María Casado stressed the importance of artistic, cultural, and media diplomacy, stating: “Cultural diplomacy is one of the essential pillars of relations between Spain and Morocco. It weaves ties of mutual understanding through art, cinema, and shared creativity. At a time when intercultural dialogue is more necessary than ever, cinema emerges as a common language that transcends borders.”

The actress and filmmaker added: “One of the concrete examples of this cooperation is the feature film ‘Tariq,’ a co-production between Spain and Morocco that will be shot in various locations in both countries. The film will combine landscapes from southern Spain with natural and historical settings from southern Morocco. ‘Tariq’ represents not only a cinematic project but also a commitment to diversity, shared identity, and the Mediterranean heritage that unites both shores.”

Mr. Mohamed Fajri, President of the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers, emphasized in his speech during the press conference that: “Speaking of soft or cultural diplomacy, one can affirm that Morocco and Spain, like other countries, are characterized by considerable cultural richness. This diversity is part of a framework based on coexistence, interconnectedness, and cohesion, and rejects exclusion and marginalization. This has allowed the two countries to develop varied relations at several levels and to create a space for listening and acceptance of
[19/07 18:57] Meta AI: ترجمة البيان الصحفي إلى الإنجليزية:

Press Release on an International Conference titled: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain”
Organized by the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers
Grenade – July 18, 2025

The Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers organized an international conference on July 18, 2025, at the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Grenade (Spain). The conference was themed: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain.”

The conference featured a rich and varied program of activities for a wide audience: presentations, networking and exchange meetings, and a promotional announcement of a film titled “Tariq,” which will be shot in both Morocco and Spain. The event brought together Moroccan and Spanish experts, artists, intellectuals, filmmakers, and journalists.

On this occasion, Ms. María Ortega Castillo, Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Víznar in the province of Grenade, stated: “On behalf of the municipality of Víznar, I wanted to be here today primarily to support and highlight the importance of this type of initiative, which illustrates the relevance of cultural diplomacy in a context marked by hatred, conflicts, marginalization, and racism—phenomena that we are currently experiencing in several regions of Spain and which have become particularly visible recently.”

Ms. Ortega, also a municipal councilor in charge of culture, education, and equality, added: “I think that this press conference and the presentation of the film ‘Tariq’ are a clear example of the type of initiatives in which all public actors and citizens should participate. It is very important to be here today to talk about building bridges and sharing a culture that we actually already have in common.”

She continued: “People must understand that we have much more in common than what divides us, and these common points make us collectively stronger. That is why I consider it necessary to organize events like this between Spain and Morocco.”

Ms. Ortega concluded by saying: “It was also very important today to get acquainted with the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers and to discover the constructive work they are doing. The discourse of its members was marked by cordiality and cooperation. It is essential to get to know them better and to work together to strengthen these networks and bridges that we must build gradually. This is, in my view, fundamental.”

Spanish director María Casado stressed the importance of artistic, cultural, and media diplomacy, stating: “Cultural diplomacy is one of the essential pillars of relations between Spain and Morocco. It weaves ties of mutual understanding through art, cinema, and shared creativity. At a time when intercultural dialogue is more necessary than ever, cinema emerges as a common language that transcends borders.”

The actress and filmmaker added: “One of the concrete examples of this cooperation is the feature film ‘Tariq,’ a co-production between Spain and Morocco that will be shot in various locations in both countries. The film will combine landscapes from southern Spain with natural and historical settings from southern Morocco. ‘Tariq’ represents not only a cinematic project but also a commitment to diversity, shared identity, and the Mediterranean heritage that unites both shores.”

Mr. Mohamed Fajri, President of the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers, emphasized in his speech during the press conference that: “Speaking of soft or cultural diplomacy, one can affirm that Morocco and Spain, like other countries, are characterized by considerable cultural richness. This diversity is part of a framework based on coexistence, interconnectedness, and cohesion, and rejects exclusion and marginalization. This has allowed the two countries to develop varied relations at several levels and to create a space for listening and acceptance of the other.”

Mr. Fajri added: “Just as an agreement was found to co-host the World Cup, one can imagine cultural, artistic, and media pacts that would serve as a roadmap and guide for better understanding between the two peoples. Natural disasters that have affected both countries and mutual solidarity efforts show that they are much closer than one might believe.”

Mr. Fajri also stated: “The role of cultural, artistic, and media diplomacy is today of utmost urgency and importance. Many tensions and temporary conflicts would not have arisen if we had relied on soft diplomacy instead of leaving the field to politicians alone, who sometimes pursue electoral or personal goals.”

Mr. Aimane Reghais, a journalist
[19/07 18:57] Meta AI: ترجمة البيان الصحفي إلى الإنجليزية:

Press Release on an International Conference titled: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain”
Organized by the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers
Grenade – July 18, 2025

The Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers organized an international conference on July 18, 2025, at the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Grenade (Spain). The conference was themed: “The Role of Cultural, Artistic, and Media Diplomacy in Bringing Countries Closer Together – The Case of Morocco and Spain.”

The conference featured a rich and varied program of activities for a wide audience: presentations, networking and exchange meetings, and a promotional announcement of a film titled “Tariq,” which will be shot in both Morocco and Spain. The event brought together Moroccan and Spanish experts, artists, intellectuals, filmmakers, and journalists.

On this occasion, Ms. María Ortega Castillo, Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Víznar in the province of Grenade, stated: “On behalf of the municipality of Víznar, I wanted to be here today primarily to support and highlight the importance of this type of initiative, which illustrates the relevance of cultural diplomacy in a context marked by hatred, conflicts, marginalization, and racism—phenomena that we are currently experiencing in several regions of Spain and which have become particularly visible recently.”

Ms. Ortega, also a municipal councilor in charge of culture, education, and equality, added: “I think that this press conference and the presentation of the film ‘Tariq’ are a clear example of the type of initiatives in which all public actors and citizens should participate. It is very important to be here today to talk about building bridges and sharing a culture that we actually already have in common.”

She continued: “People must understand that we have much more in common than what divides us, and these common points make us collectively stronger. That is why I consider it necessary to organize events like this between Spain and Morocco.”

Ms. Ortega concluded by saying: “It was also very important today to get acquainted with the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers and to discover the constructive work they are doing. The discourse of its members was marked by cordiality and cooperation. It is essential to get to know them better and to work together to strengthen these networks and bridges that we must build gradually. This is, in my view, fundamental.”

Spanish director María Casado stressed the importance of artistic, cultural, and media diplomacy, stating: “Cultural diplomacy is one of the essential pillars of relations between Spain and Morocco. It weaves ties of mutual understanding through art, cinema, and shared creativity. At a time when intercultural dialogue is more necessary than ever, cinema emerges as a common language that transcends borders.”

The actress and filmmaker added: “One of the concrete examples of this cooperation is the feature film ‘Tariq,’ a co-production between Spain and Morocco that will be shot in various locations in both countries. The film will combine landscapes from southern Spain with natural and historical settings from southern Morocco. ‘Tariq’ represents not only a cinematic project but also a commitment to diversity, shared identity, and the Mediterranean heritage that unites both shores.”

Mr. Mohamed Fajri, President of the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers, emphasized in his speech during the press conference that: “Speaking of soft or cultural diplomacy, one can affirm that Morocco and Spain, like other countries, are characterized by considerable cultural richness. This diversity is part of a framework based on coexistence, interconnectedness, and cohesion, and rejects exclusion and marginalization. This has allowed the two countries to develop varied relations at several levels and to create a space for listening and acceptance of the other.”

Mr. Fajri added: “Just as an agreement was found to co-host the World Cup, one can imagine cultural, artistic, and media pacts that would serve as a roadmap and guide for better understanding between the two peoples. Natural disasters that have affected both countries and mutual solidarity efforts show that they are much closer than one might believe.”

Mr. Fajri also stated: “The role of cultural, artistic, and media diplomacy is today of utmost urgency and importance. Many tensions and temporary conflicts would not have arisen if we had relied on soft diplomacy instead of leaving the field to politicians alone, who sometimes pursue electoral or personal goals.”

Mr. Aimane Reghais, a journalist and project coordinator of the Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers in Spain, said: “We believe that art, culture, and a responsible press can be the strongest bridge between the Moroccan and Spanish peoples. The Moroccan League of Young Newspaper Publishers will continue to work in this direction, through the role of youth, artists, and journalists.”

The conference focused largely on the role of media, art, and culture in promoting dialogue, understanding, and intellectual exchange. There is no doubt that cultural,