Montreal – HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa inaugurated, on Friday, the “Dar Al-Maghrib ” (house of Morocco) in Montreal, in the presence of Moroccan and Canadian government officials, the authorities of the city of Montreal and many figures from the sphere of literature and art.
HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa was given details on government actions benefitting Moroccan expatriates, as well as on this intercultural and intercommunity facility meant to facilitate the integration of Moroccans living in Canada in the host society.
Worth 100 million dirhams, the 2500 square meter-establishment is made up of five floors and comprises multipurpose rooms, a show hall, an exhibition hall, a library, a multimedia library, and classrooms for language courses.
Built in Montreal’s downtown, “Dar Al-Maghrib” will benefit over 120,000 Moroccans, including 85% in Quebec. It is the first of a series of similar projects in 6 cities (Montreal, Brussels, Amsterdam, Tripoli, Tunis and Mantes -la-Jolie-).
The building is part of Morocco’s policy aimed at promoting Moroccan culture and civilization worldwide and reinforcing the integration of its nationals in the residence countries while contributing to fostering their ties with the homeland.
The facility’s inauguration, which coincides with the festivities, held under HM King Mohammed VI’s patronage and marking the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Canada, testifies to the Sovereign’s solicitude for Moroccans living abroad.
The ceremony was marked by speeches delivered before Her Royal Highness mainly by Morocco’s ambassador to Canada Nouzha Chekrouni, and Chairman of Montreal’s city hall Harout Chitilian, on behalf of Montreal’s Mayor Gerald Tremblay.
HRH received afterwards a medal commemorative of this inauguration, dedicated to HM King Mohammed VI. She also received a member of honor card.
HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa toured the new facility, the first Moroccan cultural center in North America.
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