Relations between Nations have traditionally been conducted
through diplomatic channels; nongovernmental organizations
(NGO) had a limited role in nurturing mutual understanding
and dialogue.
Recently, extraordinary advances in information and communication
technologies have radically changed the landscape and have
enabled the participation of Civil Society in domains hitherto
reserved to governmental entities.
These advances inspired the re-launch of the Moroccan British
Society (MBS) on 23 February 2003 as an NGO whose stated aim
is to strengthen the friendly and respectful cooperation ties
long prevalent between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United
Kingdom of Great Britain.
To date, the MBS has been instrumental in
the establishment of the H.M. Mohammed VI Fellowship in Moroccan
and Mediterranean Studies at St. Anthony’s College,
Oxford University and in the related faculty and student Exchange
Programs; it has also launched a Newsletter.
More recently, in an effort to foster inter-faith dialogue,
the MBS approached the British Library with the idea for an
exhibition called 'SACRED, Discover what we share’ and
has helped in its implementation through the sponsorship of
its Feasibility Study and by becoming its Co-Sponsor. The
exhibition has been placed under the joint Patronage of HM
King Mohammed VI and of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the
launch of this website has been timed to coincide with the
exhibition’s Royal Inauguration Ceremony.
The MBS’ website has been conceived as an information
and communication tool that aims to improve public awareness
of each other’s civilization, institutions, and culture
and to foster closer cooperative links; it also hopes to be
a useful working tool for entities planning joint projects
and / or ventures; finally, it is a source of updated information
about the MBS’ activities.
This site would fulfill its mission when its visitors develop
a sense of ownership, use it as a suggestion box, and perceive
it as a channel for dialogue among potential partners. It
aims to be a reliable and useful information source for businessmen,
academic researchers, communication specialists and individuals;
it also provides useful live links and recommends alternative
information sources.
Your active participation and suggestions will help the MBS
contribute to greater friendship between our two peoples through
increased cooperation.
Thank you for your support.
HH Princess Lalla Joumala
President, the Moroccan British Society
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