Morocco

(Royal Hashemite Court, Media & Communication Directorate - Marrakesh) King Abdullah arrived along with Her Majesty Queen Rania earlier on Sunday on a three-day official visit.
 
The two leaders stressed their keenness to enhance cooperation, especially in the economic, investment and political fields.
 
They also stressed the importance of activating and developing economic and commercial cooperation, and continuing coordination on various issues of concern to the Arab and Islamic nation.
 

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - Fez) As part of her mandate as UNICEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited two UNICEF supported projects in Fez, with Lalla Salma of Morocco, to highlight the country's efforts in combating child labor and promoting education for all.

After their visit Queen Rania said, "In many ways, education is a 'social vaccine' for girls…it immunizes against untimely death, poverty, and unemployment and helps them build healthy, hopeful futures."

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - Fez) Concluding a working trip to Morocco, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited the Dukarat Health Center in Fez, with Lalla Meryam, to highlight Morocco's efforts in promoting child health and access to immunization.

Queen Rania, who earlier this year was named UNICEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children, commended the government-run clinic's mission in providing free health care to residents of the area. "You are helping to eliminate the tragic loss of life," said the Queen.

The following morning, work began.

Morocco, like Jordan, understands the importance of educating girls. We know that if you get girls into schools and keep them there, you can change the course of a nation, because the benefits ripple through society in the form of healthier families, reduced child and maternal mortality, enhanced economic productivity, and greater protection from HIV/AIDS. 

In January this year, I was honored to become UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate for Children, and delighted to learn that my first working trip would be to Morocco – a country I’ve always loved– to highlight the importance of getting girls into school; explore some of the challenges faced by girls; and shine a spotlight on the excellent partnership between Morocco’s progressive government, local NGOs, and UNICEF. 

Afterwards, I visited Dar Al Taliba and Dar Al Fatat, two girls’ hostels, funded by the King Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity- another of Morocco’s efforts to ensure equity and access to education for all.  For girls from rural areas whose family homes are far away from college, these boarding facilities are often the only way they can pursue their studies.  In Dar Al Taliba, I was touched that the girls had dressed up in traditional clothing from their regions.  They all looked different, and spoke with varying accents, but they had one thing in common: they w