Rabat: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Exhibition Space to honor Ibn Battouta in Tangier and the Quanzhou Maritime Museum (China) was signed on Wednesday in Rabat, as part of the 31st International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL).

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the MoU was inked by Mohamed Ouanaya, Chief Executive Officer of the Tangier city port reconversion company, which created the Exhibition Space, and Lin Han, Director of Quanzhou Maritime Museum. This agreement aims to promote academic study, research, and dissemination of knowledge derived from Ibn Battouta’s travels and the Silk Road.

The MoU seeks to encourage international academic exchanges, particularly alongside the Arab Arts Festival in China, and the establishment of a pragmatic and long-term bilateral partnership, Lin Han stated on this occasion. It also aims to promote sustainable cooperation and strengthen dialogue between Moroccan and Chinese civilizations, with an emphasis on deepening research on Ibn Battouta and promoting the study and sharing of the historical and cultural heritage inherent to the Silk Road.

Speaking to MAP, Ouanaya stressed that signing this MoU establishes a bridge between two ancient cultures, Morocco and China. He noted that this initiative presents a major opportunity to promote knowledge and exchanges to bring the two countries closer together.

The Exhibition Space to honor Ibn Battuta in Tangier, inaugurated in 2022, follows the extensive travels of the famous 14th-century Moroccan explorer. The Quanzhou Maritime Museum celebrates Ibn Battouta’s arrival at this historic port, illustrating China-Arab maritime cultural exchanges.

The International Publishing and Book Fair, organized in Rabat from May 1-10 under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is hosting 891 exhibitors representing Morocco and 60 countries across various continents.