Senegal’s President Macky Sall hailed the long history of multifaceted, cordial, and “brotherly” relations between his nation and Morocco in Fatick, Senegal, on Monday.
Sall was speaking at the inauguration of the 12th National Festival of Arts and Cultures (FESNAC), attended by Morocco’s Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, this year’s guest of honor.
The Senegalese president asked Bensaid to convey his warmest greetings and appreciation to King Mohammed VI for the sovereign’s interest in deepening bilateral relations, particularly with regard to culture.
Moroccan Gnaoua and Aïssawa performers performed magnificently during the opening ceremony in Massène Sène stadium in Fatick, demonstrating the strong cultural connection between the two countries.
In addition to Senegal’s Head of State, who presided over the opening of the cultural event, were Senegal’s Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, members of the Senegalese government, ministers representing neighboring countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Dakar, as well as Morocco’s Ambassador to Senegal, Hassan Naciri, and the Moroccan delegation accompanying Bensaid.
The 12th arts and culture festival, themed “Macky, the arts and heritage,” which runs until January 12, began with the cutting of the ribbon in the FESNAC village by Senegal’s Minister of Culture Aliou Sow, his Moroccan counterpart Bensaid, and ICESCO’s Director General.
The FESNAC, established in 1996, was founded as a result of the 1994 symposium on cultural convergence within Senegal, held in Kaolack at the initiative of President Abdou Diouf (1981-2000). The National Arts and Culture Festival was first held in Thiès in 1997.