Morocco — A Bridge To Be Built
31 January 2017By Dr. Khaled M.
Batarfi
A MOROCCAN passport officer asked me, ''What do you teach?'' ''Communication,'' I
answered. With typical bright smile, he asked me to explain what it means to
communicate and what the most important skills are.
''Communication is a fundamental belief. If a message doesnt come from your
heart, there is no point in faking it — itd always show,'' I pointed out and
explained, ''Communication begins when you believe in and apply the Quran
verse: (O people, we created you as a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes so you get to know each other).''
''Then, the principles and values of tolerance, cooperation, justice,
righteousness and charity would emanate from your soul to all around you. You
would easily learn the mechanics and skills of positive and effective
communication, and find it easier to convince others of your sincerity.''
I asked him, ''Do you know what are the greatest communication skills?'' Then
said: ''Its the smile. The Moroccans smile, for example, conveys the feelings
of friendliness, respect, empathy and appreciation to all regardless of their
languages, races and ages. Smile is the message understood by every human
being and creature. So keep smiling and your are already half the way in
communication school!''
My encounter with the passport officer was not the only good experience. If
Japan was the country of the ''Rising Sun,'' then Morocco is the ''Bright Smile
Land.'' You expect no less than warmth, kindness and generous Arab hospitality
from most people.
During my first trip in 1985, I was impressed by the major leaps in the
development and progress the country achieved in recent decades. In addition
to its charming nature, ancient heritage, proud culture, and rich sources of
water, fisheries and phosphate, Moroccos greatest treasure lies in its
well-educated and skilled human resources.
Moroccan economy has benefited from major projects such as the extensive
networks of dams, roads, railway, telecommunications, ports and airports.
Recently, they have built the fastest train system in the North Africa.
Still, the economy is in dire need of liberation and moderation. Foreign
investors are frightened off by red tape and certain laws. Investors, for
instance, are restrained to withdraw and transfer from their hard-earned
profits over the stipulated limits. The dirham value is decided by local
financial authorities.
The most attractive asset in Morocco, however, is its people. Their beauty is
reflected in their environment, society and cities. They are green, bright,
clean, elegant and simple. Contrary to their public image in some Arab
countries, most Moroccans are conservative Muslims. This shows in their
preservation of their Arab and Islamic heritage, customs and traditions.
Westernized liberals are there too, especially in metropolitan areas, but you
would hardly notice them, unless you were on the look.
In cities and countryside; from the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and
Mediterranean Sea to heartland; from the beaches of Casablanca to the alleys
of Marrakech; and from the diplomatic districts in Rabat to the luxurious
resorts in El Jadida, Morocco looked clean, safe, and organized.
The wisdom of Moroccans is reflected in the relationship between the ruled and
the rulers. When the nations enemies tried to stir up the people against
their leadership during the so-called ''Arab Spring,'' and as some Arab
governments lag behind the demands of their people, the Moroccan leadership
was step ahead. King Mohammed VI has presented his reform initiative way
beyond the aspirations and demands of his people. This contributed to the
stability in his country and increased his already high popularity.
This wisdom has again manifested in the Kings support of the Arab and Muslim
alliance in the face of terrorism, Israeli and Iranian aggression.
Promising Morocco awaits more of our investments and people to people
communication. We need cultural and scientific exchange that includes schools,
universities, research centers and civic institutions. We may benefit from
Moroccan expertise in tourism, fishing, traditional industries and mining.
It could be our shortcoming, or maybe theirs. However, we, on both sides of
the Arab world, need to improve relations, cooperation and communication. We
should also change wrong concepts and fight stereotyping. There is no better
way than regular exchanges of visits and direct networking between
institutions and organizations of businesses, media, culture and education. We
could facilitate such collaboration with well-organized regular conferences,
exhibitions, seminars, and various cultural and scientific programs.
It is about time we start building that Arab bridge between the east and the
west.
— Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be
reached at kbatarfi@gmail.com. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
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