On July 30, 2025, H. E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria

hosted a reception on the occasion of the national Day - Throne Day. The event was held in the "Aula Maxima" of the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), and was attended by an impressive number of guests, including ministers, former prime ministers and former ministers, members of parliament, representatives of political parties, ambassadors, diplomats, lawyers, journalists, cultural figures, representatives of international organizations, civil society, artists, and the Moroccan diaspora in Bulgaria.

Following the performance of the national anthems of both countries, H. E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui addressed her guests with a welcoming speech:

It is a great honor and a renewed pleasure for me to welcome so many of you this evening to this beautiful and prestigious University on the occasion of the celebration of the 26th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, to the Throne of His glorious ancestors.

First of all, I would like to thank you warmly for your presence, which demonstrates the esteem you have for my country, its Sovereign, and its people. Your participation enhances the splendor of this ceremony and embodies the sincere friendship that unites our two Nations. I particularly welcome the presence of the Bulgarian authorities, representatives of the diplomatic corps, friends of Morocco from the political, economic, and cultural spheres, as well as Moroccans living in Bulgaria, and all Bulgarian citizens, who share this solemn moment with us. Welcome! Marhaban bikoum.

Beyond its symbolic significance, the Throne Day represents a special moment of communion between the Moroccan people and their King. It embodies the renewal of the bond of allegiance that unites the Throne and the Nation, while celebrating the historical depth of a relationship based on cohesion, continuity, and mutual trust. Through this celebration, Morocco expresses its attachment to its plural identity; that of a nation united in its diversity, resolutely stable, and deeply rooted in the values of peace, mutual respect, and tolerance.

This celebration is also an opportunity for us to look back on our achievements, but above all to reaffirm our commitment to continue our resolute march toward a promising future.

Distinguished Guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Bulgaria are rooted in a long-standing tradition of friendship, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue. Driven by a shared vision of bilateral and international cooperation, they are based on deep affinities such as cultural diversity, commitment to the values of peace, openness to the world, and a shared desire to build lasting bridges between peoples and nations.

This convergence is reflected in the vitality of the cultural, academic, and human dialogue that unites our two countries. Through joint initiatives in the fields of arts, education, and research, Morocco and Bulgaria foster a meaningful partnership, rooted in a shared ambition to promote mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and the building of a common future based on solidarity and tolerance.

Allow me, in this regard, to highlight the exceptional assets of Morocco, which has today become a true hub of stability, connectivity, and opportunity. Its unique geographical location, at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Arab world, makes it a strategic link between continents.

Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has, for two decades, embarked on an irreversible dynamic of structural reforms, including the modernization of its institutional framework, the consolidation of the rule of law, the strengthening of human rights, the opening of its economy, the energy transition, and the acceleration of its digital transformation.

The Kingdom of Morocco is today a vast open-air construction site: cutting-edge infrastructure, the development of renewable energies, widespread social protection, support for innovation, talent training, cultural and religious influence based on moderation and tolerance.

By the year 2030, Morocco is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. This mega-global event not only recognizes our expertise but also provides a tremendous opportunity to accelerate development projects, sustainable mobility, and regional inclusion.

That is why I am making a sincere appeal today to our Bulgarian friends and partners: come and invest in Morocco. Come discover a country with immense potential, a constantly improving business environment, and a strong continental ambition. The time is right, and the momentum is strong.

Distinguished guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thanks to the leadership and wisdom of our August Sovereign, the Kingdom of Morocco looks to the future with confidence and determination. This is why, despite a difficult international context marked by seemingly insurmountable global challenges, coexistence between cultures, religions, and civilizations represents the hallmarks of a Morocco committed to universal human values.

Our civilizations, our religions, our identities, our histories, our concerns, and our challenges must not be exploited or held hostage to serve regression, denial, division, and fear of the other.

Finally, on this day of celebration, I wish to reiterate my most sincere wishes for health and happiness to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as prosperity to the Moroccan and Bulgarian peoples, as well as to all peoples!

Long live Moroccan-Bulgarian friendship!

Thank you for your presence and for your friendship.

Following her speech, Prof. Dr. Toni Venelinov, Vice-Rector for Information Technologies and Development at UACEG, extended greetings on behalf of the Bulgarian side. He stated that the promotion of scientific research and academic exchange is a vital pillar of the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Morocco. He reminded the audience that UACEG has signed exchange agreements with Moroccan universities and higher education institutions in the fields of architecture and construction.

Prof. Dr. Toni Venelinov emphasized that these achievements are the result of the dedicated efforts of the Center for International Relations and Mobility, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Tsvetelina Daskalova, as well as the support of H. E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria, and H. E. Mr. Plamen Tsolov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Kingdom of Morocco.

The event continued with a cultural program featuring dance performances by talented artists and gifted students from the 9th French Language High School "Alphonse de Lamartine" in Sofia.

Guests were immersed in the atmosphere of Moroccan tradition through a fashion show of authentic kaftans and takchitas.

All attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy a photo exhibition dedicated to Morocco, created by students from the French Language High School "Lycée Lamartine".

The evening concluded with a tasting of Moroccan cuisine – considered one of the finest in the world.

Photos provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria.
Top: H. E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria, with the girls presenting Moroccan caftans and takshitas.