Fez — Morocco registered a distinguished participation on Thursday evening in the “Art and Diplomacy” exhibition held in New York, organized to mark the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Society of Foreign Consuls (SOFC).

Established in 1925, the Society of Foreign Consuls represents the consular corps in New York, home to the largest diplomatic community in the world. The organization works to promote cultural, economic, and institutional ties between New York City, its member states, and the United States.

Morocco’s role within the Society of Foreign Consuls

Through its Consulate General of Morocco in New York, Morocco holds a seat on the SOFC Executive Committee. The Kingdom serves alongside consular representations from Georgia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Serbia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Argentina, reflecting its active engagement within New York’s diplomatic landscape.

The exhibition took place at the headquarters of the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York, where guests were invited to explore artistic expressions from several participating countries in a setting that blended culture with diplomacy.

Moroccan art as a bridge between cultures

Morocco’s participation highlighted the country’s cultural richness through works by Moroccan painter Rachid Jouida. His pieces offered attendees a visual journey through themes rooted in Morocco’s historical, cultural, and civilizational heritage.

The exhibition also served as a platform to underscore Morocco’s status as a leading cultural and tourist destination in Africa and beyond, presenting art as an entry point to understanding the Kingdom’s broader identity.

Speaking on the occasion, Jouida said he was proud to take part in an event that brings together art and diplomacy, stressing the role of culture in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding at a time marked by global divisions and uncertainty.

He noted that his works draw inspiration from Morocco’s diverse cultural repertoire, reflecting a society deeply anchored in history while guided by values of peace, coexistence, and openness.

Diplomacy through culture

For his part, Morocco’s Consul General in New York, Mohamed Ait Bihi, said the Kingdom’s participation offered an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s civilizational depth through the work of Moroccan artists based in the United States.

Ait Bihi added that such initiatives also help highlight Morocco’s prominent standing on the international stage across multiple sectors, from culture and tourism to diplomacy and international cooperation.

The Moroccan diplomat emphasized that events combining art and diplomacy play a crucial role in promoting intercultural understanding, describing them as essential tools for advancing peace, dialogue, and global security.

A multicultural exhibition

In addition to Morocco, the exhibition featured artworks representing countries including Georgia, Barbados, Switzerland, Serbia, and the Philippines, reinforcing the SOFC’s mission of using culture as a shared language among nations.

Morocco’s participation in “Art and Diplomacy” reflects a broader strategy of cultural diplomacy, positioning artistic expression as a means of strengthening international ties while projecting the Kingdom’s identity as one rooted in diversity, dialogue, and global engagement.