Morocco-Andalusia Sign MoU to Safeguard Hassan II Pavilion in Sevilla

The agreement was conducted between the State Secretariat in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, the Ministry Delegate to the Ministry of Economy and Finance in charge of the Budget, the Three Cultures Foundation of the Mediterranean, the Hassan II Mosque Foundation of Casablanca, and the Handicraft from Morocco. 

The signing ceremony brought together André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King and Founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association; Lahcen Essaadi, Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy; Patricia del Pozo Fernández, Advisor for Culture and Sports to the Andalusian Regional Government; and Tarik Sadik, Director General of La Maison de L’Artisan.

This MoU aims to establish a strategic cooperation framework for the preservation of the Hassan II Pavilion in Seville, a symbol of tolerance, openness, and dialogue between cultures and religions, as well as an architectural monument blending Moroccan and Andalusian artisanal arts.

Through this agreement, the parties commit in particular to restoring and rehabilitating the pavilion, promoting the exchange of know-how and expertise in handicrafts and related arts, fostering Moroccan and Andalusian craftsmanship, and strengthening the role of the Three Cultures Foundation as a cultural and human bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

In an address at the occasion, Azoulay described the agreement as a « milestone in strengthening historical and cultural ties between Morocco and Andalusia, » while highlighting the central role of the Hassan II Pavilion as a symbol of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence between cultures and religions.

Azoulay also recalled that the idea for this partnership project originated from the symbolic offering of a « Christ Cross, » recently created by artisans from Essaouira for the Brotherhood of the « Christ of the Crown » in Seville—a highly symbolic gesture reflecting the city’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of shared heritage between Morocco and Andalusia.

« This moment marked a historic turning point in building new bridges between the two shores, based on mutual recognition, respect, and the celebration of universal values of openness and tolerance that have characterized Essaouira for centuries, » Azoulay concluded.

In a statement to MAP, del Pozo Fernández noted that the Hassan II Pavilion in Seville is « a heritage jewel » and that its promotion and restoration will help strengthen the ties between Morocco and Andalusia through craftsmanship, traditions, and culture.

The Andalusian official also emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge, strategies, and expertise across the Mediterranean, while announcing the upcoming “Morocco Week” at the Pavilion, to further develop this memorandum and its implementation agreements.

The signing of this MoU embodies a shared commitment to developing handicrafts not only as a driver of economic growth in Morocco and Andalusia but also as a tool for preserving, promoting, and enhancing the shared cultural heritage of the two regions.