Rabat – The Moroccan Residence in Stockholm hosted a Ramadan ftour on Wednesday with the aim of promoting coexistence, intercultural dialogue, and shared values.
The event saw the attendance of Sweden’s Minister of Culture, Parisa Liljestrand, along with members of parliament, ambassadors, and representatives of various faiths.
Morocco’s Ambassador to Sweden, Karim Medrek, spoke of the unique Moroccan model of religious coexistence and highlighted that for over 12 centuries, Muslims, Jews, and Christians have lived together in Morocco with mutual respect. He also emphasized that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to promote a moderate form of Islam and strengthen interfaith dialogue.
King Mohammed VI has repeatedly stated that while Islam is the religion of Morocco, the country guarantees the free practice of all religions, and he personally works to protect the rights of Moroccan Jews and Christians.
The ambassador described the gathering as more than a friendly social event, saying it was also a call for dialogue, understanding, and respect for shared values. He further noted the strong friendship between Morocco and Sweden, built on cooperation, dialogue, and peace.
This year’s ftour was particularly meaningful, taking place during Ramadan, Lent, and the Lunar New Year, which shows the richness and convergence of different spiritual traditions, according to Medrek.
Swedish Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand welcomed the initiative as she lauded Morocco’s long tradition of interfaith dialogue. She highlighted the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding across different religious communities.
She also noted that in 2023, UNESCO officially recognized “Iftar, or Ftour,” as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“Organized for the fourth consecutive year, the ftour has in recent years become a key moment for intercultural and interfaith dialogue in Stockholm,” concluded the embassy.