SAccording to Ahmed Toufiq, Bruno Retailleau expressed his admiration for the moderate Islam that Morocco promotes, calling it“asset for all”. However, the dialogue took an unexpected turn when it came to the Moroccan perception of secularism.
“The French minister asked me: ‘Does secularism shock you?’ I answered him: ‘No, because we are secular too, but we do not have your texts from 1905’ (law establishing the separation of Church and State in France, editor’s note). It surprised him”said Toufiq. He added: “With us, everyone is free to make their choices, because there are no constraints in religion”.
Toufiq continued by indicating that this frankness had generated a desire to continue discussions. Gérald Darmanin would have sent him, the same day, a letter to deepen this dialogue, although he underlined the internal political difficulties that France faces in the management of questions linked to religion.
Ahmed Toufiq also highlighted, during his speech, Morocco’s efforts to spiritually support its diaspora, particularly in Europe, where there are many challenges. In 2024, no fewer than 372 Moroccan religious missionaries – Quran readers, preachers and imams – were sent to nine countries, including France, Italy, Belgium and Germany, mainly during Ramadan. However, these missions require complex logistical coordination, such as obtaining visas several months in advance, in collaboration with European consulates.
The minister also mentioned the multiple actions carried out to strengthen this spiritual bond: the distribution of more than 345,000 copies of the Koran and Islamic works to mosques and cultural centers, as well as annual subsidies amounting to 96 million dirhams to support associations managing Moroccan places of worship in Europe and Canada.
Toufiq announced two strategic initiatives to strengthen the religious framework of the Moroccan diaspora from 2025. The first consists of a multilingual media program, designed to include the three generations of Moroccans living abroad, broadcast in five European languages. The second initiative, also multilingual, aims to answer the religious questions of members of the diaspora.
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