The BA Director Takes Part in “Asilah Cultural Forum” in Morocco
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Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stated that the career of Mohamed Benaissa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture of Morocco and member of the Library's Board of Trustees, deserves reflection and documentation as he is a perfect example of an intellectual who is loyal to his ideas and principles, in addition to being a statesman and an icon of culture. He said that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is harnessing its accumulated potential and expertise to create a distinguished archive and website documenting his work and unique experience at the Asilah Forum for future generations.
These remarks were made during Dr. Zayed’s participation in the opening of the 46th autumn session of the Asilah International Cultural Season in the Kingdom of Morocco, which was dedicated to discussing the experience of Benaissa, who passed away earlier this year. Over several days, more than 70 speakers took part in the symposium that was titled “Mohamed Benaissa: Statesman and Cultural Icon” and held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Dr. Zayed praised the late Benaissa’s ideas, which enriched the Bibliotheca Alexandrina through his two-year membership on its Board of Trustees. He also mentioned that Benaissa was credited with proposing the name “Bibliotheca Alexandrina: House of Knowledge, Creativity, and Innovation” for its latest project, modeled on the Collège de France.
The official session began with the unveiling of a marble plaque bearing the name of Mohamed Benaissa, followed by the reading of a royal message of condolence, in which King Mohammed VI described the late statesman as a capable and seasoned diplomat.