The 2025 Paris Book Festival officially opened on Thursday evening at the Grand Palais, with Morocco as the guest of honor. The event was marked by the presence of Moroccan Minister of Culture, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, who expressed his « pride » and « emotion » during the inauguration of the Moroccan Pavilion, attended by numerous political, cultural, and diplomatic figures from both countries.
Standing alongside French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, Minister Bensaid emphasized the significance of this invitation, which symbolizes the deep and enduring friendship between France and Morocco. He recalled that this relationship—rooted in history, language, and shared narratives—is continually renewed through a vibrant and dynamic francophone dialogue.
He also highlighted the crucial role of culture in Morocco’s development strategy under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. In an ever-changing world, he stressed, it is imagination, collective memory, and the transmission of values that form the foundation of civilizations—beyond material resources.
This year’s theme, « the sea, » was presented as a natural bridge between the two countries, both bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. For Bensaid, this symbolizes dialogue and a shared ambition to build a Euro-African future centered on culture and creative industries.
In her speech, Rachida Dati praised Morocco as a valued partner and key player in the francophone world. She also expressed her ambition to transform the traditional book fair into a vibrant festival open to all audiences, especially younger generations.
Vincent Montagne, President of the Festival, emphasized the literary ties between the two nations and cited renowned Moroccan authors such as Tahar Ben Jelloun and Leïla Slimani. He also noted Morocco’s distinctive bilingual publishing landscape—Arabic and French—making it a key player in the francophone world.
Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region, concluded by underlining the power of reading as a source of social cohesion, openness, and peace in uncertain times.
The ceremony ended with a tour of the Moroccan Pavilion, which throughout the festival offers a rich program of literary discussions, cultural events, and showcases of Moroccan publishing, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the country’s literary scene.
