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Friday April 19, 2024

Anniversary of enthronement of Moroccan king celebrated

Islamabad On the occasion of the sixteenth anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the ambassador of the kingdom and Mrs Mustapha Salahudine hosted a celebratory reception at the Serena Hotel. The event was well attended by diplomats and Pakistanis from different walks of life,

By Ishrat Hyatt
August 01, 2015
Islamabad
On the occasion of the sixteenth anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the ambassador of the kingdom and Mrs Mustapha Salahudine hosted a celebratory reception at the Serena Hotel.
The event was well attended by diplomats and Pakistanis from different walks of life, including political entities both in and out of power, while the guest of honour was Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain. The cutting of the cake took place after the national anthems of Morocco and Pakistan had been played, with envoys from Arab and African countries joining in the ceremony.
Guests were warmly greeted at the door by the hosts wearing their national costume, accepting congratulations and adding a personal touch by saying a few words of welcome to each of their guests – a gesture which is always appreciated and remembered.
A video of the sights and sounds of Morocco and royal activities was shown throughout the evening and Moroccan music played in the background. The most noteworthy aspect of this reception was that authentic Moroccan cuisine was served - except for the ‘Biryani’ (a traditional rice dish) - and it was all prepared at home under the supervision of the hostess, which indicates their hospitable and generous nature! “We were posted in Morocco” said a Pakistani diplomats spouse, “and this is the first time I am getting a taste of genuine Moroccan couscous after many years.” Moroccan couscous is an imperial dish consisting of couscous with seven vegetables and is the main dish served at mealtimes.
Morocco – Pakistan relations have traditionally been strong and cordial, since their establishment in the 1950’s - both countries have co-operated significantly and continue to widely expand this relationship. In this context it is significant that Ambassador Salahudine was called back from retirement and posted to Pakistan – he is a seasoned diplomat who has served in important capitals of Europe and this is his first posting in this part of the world. He and his gracious wife became popular soon after their arrival about fifteen months ago and became part of the diplomatic community.
Following is a quote that will surely make you want to visit Morocco if you are looking for an adventurous travel destination. “From Saharan dunes to the peaks of the High Atlas, Morocco could have been tailor-made for travellers. Lyrical landscapes carpet this sublime slice of North Africa like the richly coloured and patterned rugs you will find in local cooperatives. The mountains – not just the famous High Atlas but also the Rif and suntanned ranges leading to Saharan oases – offer simple, breathtaking pleasures: night skies glistening in the thin air, and views over a fluffy cloudbank from the Tizi n’Test pass. On lower ground, there are rugged coastlines, waterfalls and caves in forested hills, and the mighty desert.”