The city of Asilah has become, over the thirty years of the life of its cultural Moussem, a place of cultural exchange and dialogue between the North and the South, affirmed Mohamed Benaïssa, Secretary General of the Asilah Forum Foundation, the organiser of the event. In an interview granted to MAP, the former head of Moroccan diplomacy stressed that the influence of the city of Asilah would not have been possible without the high Royal solicitude, indicating that the project carried by his Foundation promotes openness and dialogue between civilisations and nations. “At the height of the crises and the Cold War, I always defended the idea that we must build bridges between the North and the South and take a two-way path,” he said, adding that the organisation of this Moussem was dictated by a double motivation, namely the development of the city and the promotion of dialogue with the Other. “During more than thirty years spent abroad for my studies and responsibilities assumed in various international organisations, I have always been convinced of the possibility of a place for meeting and dialogue between the North and the South,” he affirmed, noting that this cultural Moussem project, which did not meet with the expected enthusiasm at the beginning, has succeeded little by little in conquering minds and arousing support, making Asilah a city of North-South dialogue where elites from all over the world gather. While stressing the scope of the slogan carried by the Asilah cultural Moussem, namely culture at the service of development, he made it known that the promotion of arts and culture in this city is not limited to the duration of this event but lasts all year round with a particular interest for children who benefit from numerous workshops devoted in particular to visual arts and writing. In this desire to promote culture in all its forms, Mr. Benaïssa highlighted the importance of the infrastructures dedicated to this work, notably the Hassan II Centre for International Meetings, the Prince Bandar Bin Soltane Library, and the Palace of Culture, citing the projects for a library for young people and an arts centre which are currently being implemented. To this are added the achievements in terms of upgrading infrastructures and beautifying the city, known for its pretty public gardens designed by renowned painters like Belkahia and Melihi, as well as numerous projects registered within the framework of the National Initiative for Human Development or within the framework of a partnership with Arab countries. A cultural and development dynamic that has allowed the city of Asilah to experience a real economic and urban boom today, he indicated, announcing in the process the project to create an industrial zone over 60 hectares which will boost the city's development and create employment opportunities.