## Morocco and Vietnam Seek to Deepen Ties

** Rabat -** Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch met with Vietnamese President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man in Rabat Friday, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting aimed to build upon the existing strong ties between Morocco and Vietnam under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. 

**Strengthening Economic Cooperation**

Akhannouch emphasized the historical relations shared by Morocco and Vietnam, highlighting the importance of supporting initiatives that bolster economic cooperation.  

"We have profound ties with Vietnam and a shared desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation," Akhannouch stated, according to a press release from the Head of Government's Office.

Tran echoed these sentiments, emphasizing his visit was aimed at boosting parliamentary diplomacy and promoting economic partnerships between Rabat and Hanoi. 

**Exploring New Opportunities for Growth**

Discussions during the meeting explored several potential avenues for collaboration, including:

*  Morocco establishing a platform for Vietnamese investment in Africa.
* Vietnam serving as a bridge between Morocco and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a market of over 600 million consumers.

 **Collaborative Future**

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, welcoming the development of parliamentary relations between Morocco and Vietnam.




## Morocco and Vietnam Seek to Deepen Ties

** Rabat -** Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch met with Vietnamese President of the National Assembly Tran

Govt. Head Holds Talks with President of Vietnam's National 

Govt. Head Holds Talks with President of Vietnam's National Assembly

## Marrakech Mayor Slams "Malicious Leaks," Announces Legal Action

**Minister Denies Allegations of Irregularities in Land Sales, Vows Transparency**

Moroccan Minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, who also serves as Mayor of Marrakech, has announced legal action against what she calls “malicious leaks” circulating on social media alleging irregularities in land sales. 

In a statement released Thursday, Mansouri categorically denied the claims, asserting that the lands in question were part of a family inheritance and not public property. She accused those behind the allegations of distorting facts and damaging her reputation and that of her family.  

"The lands being referred to were acquired by my late father, Abdelrahman Mansouri, in 1978 from private individuals, not from the state or public institutions," her statement read. "These properties fall under private ownership and have no relation to state land, collective land, or any form of public property.”

Mansouri clarified that the division of the land occurred only after her mother's death in 2003, conducted in full compliance with legal procedures. She stated that the family-appointed agent who handled the sale acted transparently and lawfully, ensuring all transactions were properly declared to tax authorities who collected the relevant dues.

The properties, she noted, are located in the rural commune of Tassoultante, outside the administrative boundaries of Marrakech, contradicting claims made in the online leaks. 


**Transparency Reasserted: A Record of Openness**

Mansouri, a prominent member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), emphasized her continued commitment to transparency. She highlighted that she declared her financial assets, including the lands in question, to the Court of Auditors when first elected mayor in 2009.


"I continue to fulfill my legal obligations by regularly declaring my assets, and these records are accessible to the public under the right to information law," she stated.

While open to constructive criticism, Mansouri firmly rejected any attempts to question her integrity or that of her family. She urged journalists, civil society members, and the public to verify information carefully and uphold the values of truth and public service.


This response comes amid growing scrutiny of public figures in Morocco, particularly as social media increasingly influences public discourse and fuels controversy surrounding governance and transparency.  


## Marrakech Mayor Slams "Malicious Leaks," Announces Legal Action

**Minister Denies Allegations of Irregularities in Land Sales, Vows Transparency**

Moroccan

Minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri denounces land sale allegatio

Minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri denounces land sale allegations, plans legal action

## Witness Testimony Sparks Controversy in Naciri Trial

**Casablanca Appeal Court Upholds Charges Against Former Wydad President Despite Defense Accusations of Perjury**

The Casablanca Court of Appeal has rejected a defense request to place a key witness under police custody for alleged false testimony during the trial of Saïd Naciri, former president of Wydad Casablanca football club. 

During a session before the Criminal Chamber, Naciri’s defense team accused the primary witness, “Toufiq Z.,” of perjury. Toufiq Z., described as an associate of an international drug trafficker known as the “Desert Escobar,” allegedly contradicted previous statements made to judicial police and the investigating judge. 

The defense argued that discrepancies in the witness's testimony amounted to deliberate fabrication, citing "wholesale additions, omissions, and contradictions." They pointed to Article 425 of Morocco’s Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows for the detention of witnesses suspected of perjury.

According to the defense, Toufiq Z. admitted during his court testimony to lying to both the National Judicial Police Brigade and the General Directorate of National Security. The defense maintained this admission warranted placing him under police custody given "the severity of the false statements" that contributed to their client's pre-trial detention. 

The defense also claimed Toufiq Z. committed the offense of contempt by knowingly providing false information to authorities, arguing his latest statements were "plainly inaccurate, if not outright falsified."


**Prosecutor Counters Defense Claims**

In response, the deputy public prosecutor urged the court to dismiss the request, calling it a “clear violation of legal procedure and fair trial guarantees.” He argued that inconsistencies in witness statements made to entities not authorized to collect formal testimony cannot form the legal basis for criminal charges.

“The actions in question do not constitute the elements of perjury,” the prosecutor stated. He noted that Article 425 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, while allowing the court to act on suspected false testimony, does not oblige it to do so. He also pointed to Article 368 of the Penal Code, which defines perjury, asserting the current case did not meet that standard.


**Court Declines Defense Motion**

Judge Ali Tarchi, presiding over the court, deliberated and ultimately ruled against the defense’s motion, deciding not to place the witness in police custody. The hearing continued with further testimony from the same witness.

Naciri remains in pre-trial detention on charges linked to a major criminal investigation that has attracted significant public attention due to his high-profile role in Moroccan sports and alleged connections to organized crime networks. 


## Witness Testimony Sparks Controversy in Naciri Trial

**Casablanca Appeal Court Upholds Charges Against Former Wydad President Despite Defense Accusations of

Court rejects defense request to detain key witness in Nacir

Court rejects defense request to detain key witness in Naciri trial

##  Tangier: The New Frontier for Affordable Car Repairs

**Spanish motorists are increasingly crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco, seeking significant savings on vehicle maintenance.** 

This trend is particularly prevalent among drivers with vehicles older than ten years, who strategically align their repair needs with holiday trips to the North African city.  

### Lower Costs Drive a Cross-Border Trend

Tangier's allure stems from several factors: lower labor costs, less stringent environmental regulations, and its convenient proximity to Spain. A round-trip ferry journey between Tarifa and Tangier averages around €200, making the trip both affordable and manageable for budget-conscious drivers. 

While some informal garages in the city have been reported as using counterfeit parts, Spanish online forums overwhelmingly reflect positive experiences with Tangier's car maintenance services.  

**The city's reputation as a Mediterranean hub for affordable repairs is steadily gaining traction.** This phenomenon reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior as drivers worldwide seek cost-effective alternatives amidst rising service prices in Spain and beyond. 


##  Tangier: The New Frontier for Affordable Car Repairs

**Spanish motorists are increasingly crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco, seeking sig

Spanish drivers flock to Tangier for affordable car repairs

## Moroccan Banks See Drop in Nonperforming Loans

**Credit quality improves as NPLs decline to 8.4% of total loans**

Morocco's banking sector witnessed a positive shift in 2024 with nonperforming loans (NPLs) decreasing by 2.7 percent to 97.4 billion dirhams, according to Bank Al-Maghrib's latest annual supervisory report. This decline signals an improvement in credit quality, as NPLs now represent 8.4 percent of total loans.

**Loans Under Watch Rise, Doubtful Debts Decrease**

While NPLs decreased, the number of loans under watch saw a 4.1 percent increase to 6.5 billion dirhams. Conversely, doubtful debts experienced a 1.7 percent decline, reaching 8.7 billion dirhams. Irrecoverable debts, however, rose by 3.1 percent to 82.2 billion dirhams, continuing to be the dominant factor within the NPL structure.

**Provision Coverage Strengthened Across Categories**

Overall provision coverage increased to 69 percent, demonstrating a strengthened commitment to managing risk.  This includes 76 percent for irrecoverable debts, 45 percent for doubtful debts, and 11 percent for loans under watch. Household NPLs climbed by 6.7 percent to 44.6 billion dirhams, while non-financial firms held 70.1 billion dirhams in NPLs.

**Resilience Amid Sectoral Risks**

Despite ongoing sectoral risks within industries like trade and construction, the banking system demonstrated resilience and improved provisioning rates.  




## Moroccan Banks See Drop in Nonperforming Loans

**Credit quality improves as NPLs decline to 8.4% of total loans**

Morocco's banking sector witnessed a posi

Nonperforming loans in Morocco drops to 97.4 Billion Dirhams

Nonperforming loans in Morocco drops to 97.4 Billion Dirhams in 2024

## Super Falcons Soar: Nigeria Claims Record 10th AFCON Title

**Rabat, Morocco:** In a thrilling finale at Rabat's Olympic Stadium, the Nigerian women's national team staged a dramatic comeback to secure their record-breaking tenth Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating host nation Morocco 3-2.


### Atlas Lionesses Lead Early Charge


Morocco roared out of the gate, establishing an early lead with captain Ghizlane Chebbak finding the net in the 13th minute. Salma Amani doubled Morocco's advantage just minutes later in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a decisive assist from Iman Jaridi. The Atlas Lionesses held firm, taking their 2-0 lead into halftime and igniting hopes for a historic first title on home soil.

### Super Falcons Fight Back with Fury


The second half saw a surge of intensity from the Super Falcons as they mounted a relentless comeback. Esther Okoronkwo narrowed the gap in the 64th minute, sparking renewed hope for Nigeria. Jennifer Echegini then equalized for the Super Falcons in the 71st minute, leveling the score and setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.


As the clock ticked down, star striker Asisat Oshoala delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute, sealing Nigeria's stunning turnaround victory with her goal.  

The match saw a moment of controversy when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed a potential handball in Nigeria’s penalty area shortly before the third goal. However, no penalty was awarded.


With this triumph, Nigeria solidifies its position as the most successful team in the history of the Women's AFCON. 

### Morocco's Silver Lining


Despite falling short of their dream victory, Morocco, who appeared in only their second-ever final after reaching the 2022 title match also on home soil, displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Their strong campaign included victories over Mali and Ghana in the knockout stages, securing a well-deserved runner-up finish. 


## Super Falcons Soar: Nigeria Claims Record 10th AFCON Title

**Rabat, Morocco:** In a thrilling finale at Rabat's Olympic Stadium, the Nigerian women's nation

Nigeria defeats Morocco 3-2 to win Women’s Africa Cup of Nat

Nigeria defeats Morocco 3-2 to win Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat

##  Robot Revolutionizes Surgery at FM6SS: Visceral Procedure Marks Milestone

**Casablanca - July 24th:** The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS) took a giant leap forward in robotic surgery Thursday with the successful completion of its first robot-assisted visceral operation at Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital.

### Da Vinci System Delivers Precision & Minimally Invasive Care

The groundbreaking procedure, a rectal resection for colorectal cancer, was led by Dr. El Mehdi Choukri, a digestive surgeon at FM6SS, using the renowned "Da Vinci" surgical robot. Known internationally for its high precision and minimally invasive capabilities, the system allows surgeons to operate with unparalleled accuracy in complex anatomical spaces.

### Expanding Robotic Expertise: From Urology to Digestive Surgery

This marks the second phase in FM6SS’s expansion of robotic surgery. The initial phase focused on urology, specifically radical prostatectomies performed according to standards set by the robot's equipment provider. 

"Due to growing demand for innovative surgical approaches, we are broadening the use of robotic techniques to include complex digestive surgeries,"  Professor Khalid Sair, general director of FM6SS Casablanca, explained in a statement.  "The robot allows surgeons to operate with extreme precision, especially when preserving vital organs and tissues deep within the body. It helps limit bleeding and reduces postoperative risks."

### Surgeon Remains In Control: High-Definition 3D Visualization Enhances Precision

Dr. Choukri highlighted that while utilizing the Da Vinci system, the surgeon maintains complete control by manipulating robotic arms via a console with exceptional finesse. The system also provides high-definition 3D visualization, enabling access to complex areas with remarkable accuracy.




##  Robot Revolutionizes Surgery at FM6SS: Visceral Procedure Marks Milestone

**Casablanca - July 24th:** The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM

FM6SS achieves first robot-assisted visceral surgery in Casa

FM6SS achieves first robot-assisted visceral surgery in Casablanca

## Fire at Dakhla Hospital Sparks Panic, Raises Concerns Over Safety

**Patients Return After Evacuation Amidst Uncertainty About Cause and Casualties**

Following a fire earlier this week, patients evacuated from Hassan II Regional Hospital in Dakhla returned to the facility on Wednesday evening. The situation has stabilized, and necessary health and safety conditions have been restored. 

The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response from both local and health authorities, causing panic among patients, particularly in the maternity ward. While multiple local sources report the death of a newborn infant, the regional health directorate has not yet issued an official statement confirming or denying this information.  Speculation continues to swirl, fueled by unconfirmed reports and conflicting statements.

Initial media reports suggested that El Khattat Yanja, President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, covered the medical expenses of patients and newborns evacuated to a private international clinic. However, a spokesperson for the clinic strongly denied these claims, stating they placed their resources solely at the disposal of local authorities with the priority of saving lives.  They distanced themselves from any political or personal credit.

Controversy also arose over the regional president’s visit to the hospital. Video livestreams and social media content broadcast from sensitive areas such as the intensive care and maternity units drew criticism for violating patient privacy and disregarding medical protocols. 

Many observers condemned the presence of online influencers during this critical situation, viewing it as a display of political opportunism.


Despite the gravity of the incident, which has garnered widespread attention in southern Morocco, no official statement has been issued by the governorate or regional health authorities regarding the cause of the fire, the extent of infrastructure damage, or confirmed human casualties.  

The absence of a formal inquiry or administrative investigation has prompted growing public calls for transparency and accountability. 

Local civil society voices are urging authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify any lapses in safety procedures, aiming to prevent similar incidents in vital health facilities expected to uphold the highest standards of care and security.  




## Fire at Dakhla Hospital Sparks Panic, Raises Concerns Over Safety

**Patients Return After Evacuation Amidst Uncertainty About Cause and Casualties**

Follow

Outcry in Dakhla after fire at regional hospital leaves ques

Outcry in Dakhla after fire at regional hospital leaves questions unanswered

## Malnutrition Crisis Grips Gaza: 1 in 4 Children and Mothers Suffer

**Gaza City:** A stark reality is unfolding in Gaza, where a staggering 25% of young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinics last week were found to be malnourished. This alarming figure highlights the deepening humanitarian crisis gripping the region.

The medical charity, known by its French acronym MSF, reported these findings following screenings conducted on children aged six months to five years old, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women at their facilities.  They warn that "rates of severe malnutrition in children under five have tripled in the last two weeks alone." 


MSF attributes this crisis to Israel's "policy of starvation," underscoring the urgent need for action to address the growing food insecurity and prevent further suffering among vulnerable populations.


## Malnutrition Crisis Grips Gaza: 1 in 4 Children and Mothers Suffer

**Gaza City:** A stark reality is unfolding in Gaza, where a staggering 25% of young chil

MSF says quarter of children in its Gaza clinics malnourishe

MSF says quarter of children in its Gaza clinics malnourished

## Moroccan Scientists Make Global Impact: Four Ranked Among World's Top 200

**Top Rankings Showcase Expertise in Diverse Fields**

Four Moroccan researchers have been recognized as some of the world’s most influential scientists, landing spots within the top 200 of the prestigious 2025 Academic Development Index (AD Index).  The index analyzed over 1.1 million scientific profiles using scientometric indicators like the h-index.

Leading the Moroccan contingent is Abdessalam Hamada of Hassan II University in Casablanca, ranked an impressive 40th globally. He boasts an h-index of 281 and over 392,000 citations for his significant contributions to research at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.

Close behind is Driss Benchakroun (131st globally), also from Hassan II University, with an h-index of 252. His work in quantum computing and nuclear physics further solidifies Morocco's position on the global scientific stage. 

Breaking barriers, Farida El Fassi from Mohammed V University in Rabat has become the first Moroccan woman to break into the global top 200, securing the 169th spot with an h-index of 247.  Fellow researcher Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli, also from Mohammed V, rounds out the top four at 182nd globally for her impactful work in medical physics.

Six other Moroccan scientists have also made their mark within the national top ten, spanning diverse fields from electrochemistry to sustainable agriculture, demonstrating the breadth of talent across Morocco's research community.  




## Moroccan Scientists Make Global Impact: Four Ranked Among World's Top 200

**Top Rankings Showcase Expertise in Diverse Fields**

Four Moroccan researchers h

Four Moroccan scientists ranked among world’s top 200 in glo

Four Moroccan scientists ranked among world’s top 200 in global academic index

## Gabon Retools Scholarships: Focus on Strategic Sectors & Budget-Friendly Destinations

**New policy aims to align education spending with national development goals and curb brain drain.**


Gabon will revamp its international scholarship program starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, prioritizing strategic sectors and cost-effective destinations. This shift comes directly from President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's directive to align education spending with national development goals and address concerns about "brain drain."

Scholarships will be reserved for fields such as agronomy, digital technologies, specialized medicine, renewable energy, and raw material processing.  The National Agency for Scholarships (ANBG) cited cost disparities as a key factor, noting that Morocco and Senegal offer significantly lower per-student expenses compared to traditional destinations like France, Canada, or the US.

"Those who go to the US or Canada never return," stated President Nguema, highlighting the retention challenge associated with sending students abroad. 

Morocco has emerged as a key academic partner for Gabon under this new South-South cooperation model. The ANBG praised Morocco's educational quality and cultural proximity as significant assets in this partnership.


  


## Gabon Retools Scholarships: Focus on Strategic Sectors & Budget-Friendly Destinations

**New policy aims to align education spending with national developmen

Morocco named key academic partner in Gabon’s education refo

Morocco named key academic partner in Gabon’s education reform

## Moroccan Dirham Gains Ground Against US Dollar

**Currency Fluctuations Reflect Market Activity**

The Moroccan dirham experienced a slight appreciation against the US dollar by 0.6 percent during the week of July 17 to 23, 2025. Meanwhile, it depreciated by 0.3 percent against the euro over the same period, according to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM).

No foreign exchange auction operations were conducted by the central bank during this timeframe. Official reserve assets stood at 405.2 billion dirhams on July 18, marking a 0.5 percent weekly increase and an impressive 11.9 percent year-on-year surge.

**BAM's Intervention Strategy:**

BAM's average daily interventions totaled 128 billion dirhams during the week. This included:

* **7-day advances:** 49.5 billion dirhams
* **Longer-term repos:** 44 billion dirhams
* **Guaranteed loans:** 34.5 billion dirhams

Interbank trading averaged 3.5 billion dirhams per day, maintaining a stable rate of 2.25 percent.  A liquidity injection of 51.4 billion dirhams was executed on July 23.




## Moroccan Dirham Gains Ground Against US Dollar

**Currency Fluctuations Reflect Market Activity**

The Moroccan dirham experienced a slight appreciation agai

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