Royal Activities
Monday 27 June 2016

Official Ceremonial Welcome in Casablanca for President of Portuguese Republic

 Official Ceremonial Welcome in Casablanca for President of Portuguese Republic

HM King Mohammed VI chaired, on Monday at the Meshuar square in Casablanca Royal Palace, the official ceremonial welcome for president of the Portuguese Republic, His Excellency Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa.

Upon his arrival at the Meshuar square, the Portuguese president was greeted by HM King Mohammed VI, who was accompanied by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid.

The sovereign and His Excellency Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa headed for the VIP stand to salute the national flags while the national anthems of both countries were playing. A 21-gun salute was fired to welcome the Portuguese head of state.

HM the King and his distinguished guest reviewed a detachment of the royal guard who paid the honors.

The Portuguese leader was greeted, afterwards, by the head of government, the speaker of the house of representatives, the speaker of the house of advisors, HM the King's advisors and cabinet members.

HE Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa was greeted mainly by president of the constitutional council, the director of HM the King's secretariat, HM the King's chamberlain, and the Kingdom's historiographer, spokesperson of the Royal Palace.

The Portuguese president was also welcomed notably by the dean of diplomatic corps accredited in Rabat, heads of European diplomatic missions accredited in Rabat, high-ranking officers from the general staff of the Royal Armed Forces, head of Moroccan intelligence agency DGED, and director general of national police and of national territory surveillance. 

HM the King was greeted by the official delegation accompanying the Portuguese president, composed mainly of Teresa Ribeiro, state secretary for foreign affairs, Maria Rita Ferro, Portugal's ambassador in Rabat, ambassador Antonio Almeida Lima, chief of State protocol, ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes, director general of foreign policy and ambassador José Augusto Duarte, diplomatic advisor.

HE Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa was afterwards greeted by members of the honor committee, mainly by Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Industry minister and Karima Benyaich, HM the King's ambassador in Lisbon.

The official visit by the Portuguese president in Morocco mirrors the excellent relations of friendship, fruitful cooperation and active solidarity between Morocco and Portugal.

MAP 27 June 2016