The Moroccan city of Fes held a grand tribute ceremony to honor the Kuwaiti poet Abdulaziz Albabtain, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to enrich the cultural life in Morocco and the Arab world, and his support for it.

         The ceremony, which took place yesterday evening, Saturday, was attended by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Morocco, Abdullatif Alyahya, along with Moroccan government officials, the Mayor of Fes, the Governor of the city, and a large number of academics, writers, poets, intellectuals, and representatives of cultural and civil society organizations, as well as media figures.

         During the event, the Mayor of Fes, Idriss Azami, presented the key to the city to Albabtain as an appreciation for his generous support to Moroccan culture and intellectuals through organizing and sponsoring various cultural and educational events and projects for the benefit of writers and poets.

         In his speech on this occasion, Azami stated that "the granting of the key to the city of Fes to Albabtain comes as a tribute to his outstanding contribution in supporting the cultural movement in this historic Arab and Islamic city, and his involvement in several educational and literary initiatives and events through the Albabtain Cultural Foundation."

         He added that Albabtain's support for the cultural and literary life in Morocco dates back nearly three decades, during which he supervised and organized literary, poetic, and humanitarian events in several Moroccan cities that captured the attention of the public and received high acclaim. Some of these events were held under the auspices of the Moroccan monarch.

         In return, the Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture, Hamid Zakria, on behalf of the Moroccan Minister of Culture, Mohammed Al-Arj, presented a commemorative shield to Albabtain as a recognition of his efforts in serving Arab culture, promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence, and encouraging intercivilizational dialogue.

         Mr. Hamid Zakaria highlighted the role of Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation in bridging communication between writers, authors, and intellectuals in the Arab East and West. He pointed out its significant contribution in supporting cultural activities and events, particularly in Morocco.

         In turn, the historian of the Kingdom of Morocco, Abd al-Haq Al-Murini, praised Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation for its credibility, vitality, and effectiveness, considering it a "prominent cultural and educational institution." He added that "the patron behind it deserves all appreciation and respect."

         On his part, Abdulaziz Albabtain expressed his pride and honor in receiving the Key of the City of Fes, considering it a recognition of his homeland, the State of Kuwait, a center of humanitarian work. He also mentioned it as a tribute to its leader, His Highness the Amir, the leader of humanitarian work, and to the generous Kuwaiti people who are known for their dedication to charitable work in various fields.