Morocco Named Guest of Honor at 21st Panama International Book Fair
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco will participate as the guest of honor at the 21st Panama International Book Fair, to be held from August 11 to 17 at the Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City, marking its first-ever appearance in such a role at a Latin American book fair.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the invitation underscores the strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between Morocco and Panama, as well as Morocco’s expanding relations with Latin American countries.
The Moroccan pavilion will host a diverse program of intellectual, heritage, and artistic events, offering visitors an immersive experience of the country’s rich cultural legacy. Exhibitions will include a documentary showcase of publications highlighting Morocco’s traditional and modern culture, replicas of historical manuscripts, and printed works in Spanish reflecting Morocco’s intellectual and creative achievements. Heritage displays will feature panels on Morocco’s civilization, notable historical figures, and traditional handicrafts such as carpets.
A series of discussions and seminars will explore shared themes between Morocco and Panama, including bilateral relations, cultural diversity, Moroccan literature, and the Andalusian heritage linking Morocco with Latin America. The program will also feature poetry readings, book signings, and musical performances of Andalusian and Gnaoua traditions.
For younger audiences, the pavilion will offer hands-on workshops in weaving, pottery, and mosaic tile art, as well as storytelling sessions featuring Moroccan folktales.
The event comes amid deepening Morocco–Panama relations, highlighted by Panama’s decision in late 2024 to suspend ties with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and reaffirm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This position, reiterated during high-level meetings in 2025, aligns with Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most credible resolution to the dispute.
Panama’s stance carries added weight given its current role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
