Minnesota hounours Morocco
This year, the Minnesota centre, willing to honour an Islamic country, has chosen Morocco, the country considered as “America's friend for forever” and a country of openness, tolerance and dialogue.
Through this initiative, the MIC wanted to celebrate the good relations binding the two countries and peoples, and give the opportunity to the citizens of Minnesota State to closely know an Islamic country renowned for its long tradition of tolerance.

“Morocco, our oldest friend and the first state to have recognised the US after its independence, is a country with a rich history and fascinating culture,” underlined the MIC president, Carol Engebreton.
The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of cooperation relations between Minnesota University and Morocco.

“This cooperation has allowed hundreds of Moroccan students to follow their studies in Minnesota and a number of professors of the Minnesota's university to teach in Morocco,” said Engebretson.

“This gala dinner was also an opportunity to honour the relations between Minnesota citizens and the 1,500 Moroccans living in the State,” added the president, underlining that these Moroccans are well educated and occupy important positions in the society and are well integrated into the American community.
She also pointed out that one of these Moroccans, Abdessamad Morabit, professor of mathematics at the university, is a member of the committee organizing the event.
For her part, the president of the gala, Laura Merriam, has underlined that “Morocco is an interesting country that fascinates the Americans,” adding that “Tangier and Casablanca are endowed with a certain romance.”
“Morocco is the first Arab, African and Islamic country to be honoured by the MIC,” she concluded.

“This gala,” Engebretson went on, “is a wonderful experience,” expressing her confidence that the event will contribute to the consolidation of the already-strong relations existing between Morocco and the US.

“I want all Moroccans to know that we are determined to consolidate the bilateral relations between the two countries and work together so that understanding and harmony prevail,” added MIC president.
The Moroccan Ambassador to the US, Aziz Mekouar, who was the gala's president of hounour, presented to the audience the new Morocco.

“Morocco which has launched important reforms in the economic, political and social fields, registering, with the orientation of HM King Mohammed VI, acclaimed achievements in all domains,” said the Moroccan diplomat.
He mentioned the progress achieved in the domains of human rights, state's law and the adoption of the new family code.
In a warm and jovial atmosphere, the 500 attendants who came to celebrate the kingdom enjoyed the Moroccan culinary art.
The gala, which is the most-awaited event in Minnesota, gathered presidents and general directors of Minnesota's biggest enterprises namely Cargill, 3 M, Donaldson, Medtronic, General Mills; members and former president of MIC; members from the Moroccan community in Minnesota and members from Peace Corps who have served in Morocco like Tim Resch, the president of “Friends of Morocco” association.