On July 30, H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted a reception at Aula Maxima of the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) on the occasion of Morocco’s national holiday – Throne Day. The event was attended by hundreds of guests, including representatives of the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, the diplomatic corps, state and private institutions, local authorities, academia, business and culture, as well as friends of Morocco and Moroccans living in Bulgaria.

The solemn celebration at Aula Maxima was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Tsvetelina Daskalova, Head of the Center for International Activities and Mobility (CIAM) at UACEG and Vice-Dean for Scientific and International Affairs of the Faculty of Architecture. The CIAM also played an active role in preparing the event, as part of its work to develop international partnerships and promote academic exchange.

The ceremony opened with the national anthems of the two countries, beautifully performed on viola and harp by Rozalina Kasabova and Aleksandrina Kushinchanova.

This was followed by a welcoming address to the guests by H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, in which she expressed her gratitude to everyone attending this year’s Throne Day celebration — an occasion marking the 27th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, who succeeded his illustrious ancestors.

"For every Moroccan, July 30th holds a very special significance. It marks the renewal of a centuries-old pact and an unbreakable bond between the Throne and the People. In a world marked by uncertainty and geopolitical divisions, this institutional continuity is our most precious asset. It is the foundation of a self-evident political truth: it is because our institutions are rooted in a thousand-year history that Morocco possesses the agility necessary to project itself towards the most audacious modernity.

Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has been pursuing a profound transformation of its development model for over two decades. Infrastructure modernization, industrialization, energy transition, expansion of social protection, justice reform, digital development, investment promotion, and the development of human capital: these initiatives reflect a coherent vision, based on inclusive and sustainable growth, responsible governance, and preparation for the future.

This dynamic has allowed the Kingdom to establish itself as a leading economic and industrial platform linking Europe, Africa, and the Arab world. It also strengthens its capacity to attract investment, develop centers of excellence, and support the major economic, energy, and technological transitions shaping our era.", stated H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui.

She then highlighted the Kingdom’s foreign policy, characterized by a pragmatic and multilateral approach based on dialogue, solidarity, and shared development. Morocco not only follows international developments but also actively contributes to them through concrete initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of the modern world: "The Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for the Sahel states is a prime example. By opening new avenues for connectivity, trade, and development, this vision transcends the purely regional dimension. It reflects a deep conviction in sustainable prosperity based on integration, mutually beneficial partnerships, and the opening up of isolated territories."

Her Excellency also underscored Morocco’s commitment to the energy transition, its active participation in international debates on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and its firm defense of the principle of preserving the country’s territorial integrity. In this regard, she pointed to the significance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara.

Her Excellency then proudly emphasized:

"The year 2026 will also be remembered for the tremendous popular support of our Atlas Lions, whose performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup once again showcased the talent of Moroccan youth, their spirit of perseverance, and their ability to unite people far beyond their borders.

The Kingdom is now looking ahead to another historic event: hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal. Beyond its sporting dimension, this exceptional event represents a civilizational project, fostering investment, innovation, closer ties between peoples, and dialogue between the two shores of the Mediterranean. It fully reflects Morocco's vocation as a land of encounter, openness, and cooperation."

Subsequently, H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui addressed the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Bulgaria.

"Morocco considers Bulgaria a trusted partner in the Balkans and an important player in Southeast Europe. We welcome the fact that Bulgaria also considers the Kingdom an important, stable, and reliable partner in North Africa and the southern neighborhood of the European Union. This shared appreciation reflects the mutual trust that now characterizes our partnership. Our two friendly countries possess strong complementarities and largely untapped potential for cooperation, which we are both determined to develop.

I would also like to pay tribute to the small Moroccan community established in Bulgaria. Through its professionalism, skills, successful integration, and commitment to the values of the Kingdom, they contribute daily to bringing our two peoples closer together and constitute a valuable link between our societies."

And concluded: "While reiterating our wishes for health, happiness, and a long life to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, I extend my sincerest wishes for lasting peace and prosperity to the Moroccan people and our friendly Bulgarian people."

On behalf of UACEG, a congratulatory address on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Morocco was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Petar Nikolov, Vice-Rector of the University. He expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation that the University has developed with the Moroccan academic community.

The official part of the event concluded with a surprise: H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui was ceremoniously awarded the honorary academic title of "Honorary Academician" by the International Academy of United Bulgarians, in recognition of her contribution to the development of international cooperation. The distinction was presented to her by the Academy’s Chairman, Academician Dr. Nikolay Nikov.

The guests then enjoyed a rich cultural programme. It began with a fashion parade featuring female pupils and students from the Francophone community, who presented authentic Moroccan caftans and takchitas. This was followed by traditional Moroccan dances. The guests also enjoyed Bulgarian folk songs and dances performed by the Botevgrad Ensemble and the Kipri Ethnographic Group.

As every year on Throne Day, everyone greatly appreciated Moroccan hospitality, the exquisite specialities of traditional Moroccan cuisine, and the attractive ceremony of serving the country’s renowned mint tea and sweets.

Photos courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: H.E. Ms. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria, following the fashion show featuring Moroccan caftans and takchitas.