Mohammed Benaissa, former Moroccan Foreign Minister, dies

Mohammed Benaissa, former Foreign Minister and prominent Moroccan diplomat, died on Friday night at the age of 88. His career was characterised by a deep commitment to Moroccan foreign policy and a passion for culture. 

After completing his secondary education in Cairo, Benaissa began his career in journalism as an announcer at Radio Africa-Maghreb in Tangiers. However, his vocation quickly led him to hold important positions both in Morocco and abroad. 

Throughout his career, he held key positions in diplomacy and politics. He was Minister of Culture between 1985 and 1992, Morocco's ambassador to the United States between 1993 and 1999 and, subsequently, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation between 1999 and 2007. He was also a member of the House of Counsellors and chaired the communal council of Asilah. 

Apart from his diplomatic work, Benaissa was a fervent defender of culture. His name was closely linked to the Asilah Cultural Moussem, a forum that for years brought together Moroccan and international academics, experts and artists to debate current issues in different fields. 

His death marks the passing of a key figure in the contemporary history of Morocco, whose legacy will endure in the country's political, diplomatic and cultural spheres.