In a move to deepen cultural ties, Morocco’s League of Women Writers (LEM) hosted a literary and cultural gathering in Tangier on Saturday, uniting Moroccan and Spanish women writers for a vibrant exchange of ideas and creativity.
Organized in partnership with the Spanish Association of Women Writers and Illustrators (AMEIS), the event forms part of a broader initiative stemming from the tripartite partnership agreement signed in Seville in 2023 by LEM, AMEIS, and the League of Women Writers of Africa (LEA). The agreement aims to invigorate cross-cultural and artistic collaboration across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Running through May 25, the gathering provides a dynamic platform for writers, intellectuals, and artists to engage in dialogue and reflect on the Mediterranean’s pivotal role as a cultural bridge between Europe and Africa.
In her opening remarks, LEM President Badia Radi described the event as the first tangible result of the Seville agreement, emphasizing the shared commitment of Moroccan and Spanish writers to actively contribute to building enduring connections across the Mediterranean.
Radi, who also serves as president of the LEA, underscored the strategic importance of the Morocco-Spain relationship, describing it as a gateway to broader Africa-Europe cooperation. “This orientation,” she noted, “is dictated by the force of geography.”
She affirmed that members of both organizations are dedicated to turning the agreement into meaningful action and called on institutions in both countries to support this cultural momentum.
Speaking to the press, Radi also referenced a similar gathering previously held in Laayoune, focused on the Atlantic, and highlighted the parallelism of the current event’s emphasis on the Mediterranean’s cultural significance.
She commended the Spanish writers’ awareness of the Mediterranean’s symbolic role as a cultural connector and stressed the importance of intellectual engagement in this shared exploration.
AMEIS President Carmen Peire echoed these sentiments, calling culture a shared heritage and a powerful unifying force between Morocco and Spain. She emphasized the growing role of women in advancing cultural dialogue and promoting peace.
"Women have long embodied the values of peace, solidarity, and cooperation between peoples," Peire said. "This agreement helps make their contributions more visible and recognizes their vital role in literature and in nurturing a culture of peace."
The event’s program includes literary workshops, panel discussions, and tributes to authors dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding. A cultural tour of Tangier’s historic sites is also scheduled, alongside the signing of a new partnership with Spanish publishing house Diwan, aimed at encouraging cross-publication and broader dissemination of literary works.
MAP: 25 mai 2025
