During a meeting held on the sidelines of the Morocco-Portugal 14th High Level Meeting (HLM), the two sides stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the cultural field and exchange experiences and expertise between Rabat and Lisbon.

In a statement to MAP, Bensaid said that several issues were on the agenda of this meeting, including the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and the efforts made by the Kingdom in this field, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, particularly after the ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, noting that the meeting was also an opportunity to highlight the projects and programs launched by Morocco in this area.

The meeting also discussed ways to develop the film industry and create a Moroccan-Portuguese working group to consolidate bilateral cooperation and diversify joint projects in the cultural sector, as part of the implementation program of the cultural and scientific agreement between Morocco and Portugal, stressed the minister.

In a similar statement, the Portuguese official noted that this meeting has examined the opportunities for exchange and sharing of experiences on issues related to heritage, as well as the prospects for expanding cultural cooperation.

The two countries are linked by a common history and heritage, Adão e Silva stressed, emphasizing the need to intensify cooperation to consolidate the historical relationship between the two neighboring countries.

"Next year will mark the 250th anniversary of our friendship and we will celebrate it together. This year we have already planned two important art exhibitions, one in Lisbon and another in Morocco," he said.

The event in Lisbon will take place in June with the participation of contemporary Moroccan artists and that of Rabat will be held in October to highlight the great Portuguese painters of the 20th century, said the minister.

In addition, Bensaid met with the Portuguese deputy minister of Parliamentary Affairs, responsible for youth issues, Ana Catarina Mendes. The two officials discussed several issues of common interest.

The minister took the opportunity to review the innovative projects conducted by the Kingdom for youth, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

In addition, Bensaid said that the joint bid of Morocco with Spain and Portugal to host the World Cup 2030 will bring together young people from both shores, indicating that Morocco is willing to strengthen exchange programs between Moroccan and Portuguese youth.