Amb. Chraibi of Morocco marks Throne Day of Morocco

All the Moroccan people, according to Ambassador Chraibi, are proud and delighted to celebrate this anniversary, a permanent reminder of the long-standing tradition of the act of allegiance, which is a binding contract between the King and the population.

There were many distinguished guests from Korean society and the international community, who included, from the Korean side, Ambassador Choi Sung-ju for International Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chairman Cho Yang-ho of Hanjin Group and Korean Air and Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post.

From the international community also came many distinguished guests who included many diplomatic mission chiefs. Among them were Ambassador Dato Haji Harun Ismail of Brunei Darussalam (dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Korea), Albino Malungo of Angola, Jorge Roballo of Argentina, Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan, Hernan Brantes Glavic of Chile, Manuel Lopez Trigo of Costa Rica, Ahmad Masoumifar of Iran, Calin Fabian of Romania, Luis Arias Romero of Spain, Scott Wightman of United Kingdom, Dr. Alba Florio Legnani of Uruguay and Bakhtier N. Ibragimov of Uzbekistan (CDA).

Speaking to the guests, Ambassador Chraibi said, “Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1962, Morocco and Korea have endeavored to foster these relations in different fields of common interest, on the basis of genuine friendship, mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.” (See excerpts from his speech at the end of this Article.)

At some diplomatic functions, the beverages come from the host such as wine and other traditional beverages of the country and when the guests ask if they have soda such as Coka Cola or Pepsi Cola. The beverage counter people say no and you settle for just plain water.

Under identical circumstances when there is no Coke or Pepsi on the beverage list of the host, it is different at Lotte Hotel. The beverage counter manager comes to the guests and says, “Yes, sir, we will bring it in a minute.” The guest goes away to join his company among the guests. The service man finds the guest and satisfies his request. The service personnel prepare the soda obviously in sufficient quantity because the guest consumes a few glasses throughout the two-hour party.

A small can of Coke sells for 500 won (50 cents) at the market and supposing the guest consumed three cans the hotel would have used 1,500 won (or one and half dollars). However, considering the good image effect of hotel deriving from the one and half dollars would be enormous as the story of the job well done would spread widely by word of mouth as well as the enormous power SNS (social network service).

Excerpts from the speech of Ambassador Chraibi:It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and thank you for coming tonight to celebrate with us the 15th Anniversary of the ascension of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI to the Throne.
All the Moroccan people are proud and delighted to celebrate this anniversary, a permanent reminder of the long-standing tradition of the act of allegiance, which is a binding contract between the King and the population.
The Moroccan monarchy, as a constantly self-reforming institution, has always been the symbol of the continuity of the State, the defender of its spiritual and moral values and the guarantor of its national unity. It has been, throughout centuries, an instigator and a major stakeholder in the Nation's development process.
With the adoption of a new Constitution voted by the people in 2011, in the midst of regional turmoil and the sweeping changes of the Arab spring, Morocco has successfully introduced to the world its "Third Path" model, based on the premises of "constructive change within the irreplaceable framework of continuity and national consensus".
This path, that characterizes the uniqueness of the Moroccan experience, has sought to consolidate the bonds uniting the throne and the people, ensure development and prosperity, preserve national unity and sovereignty and enshrine more freedom, equality, dignity and social justice.