A new field hospital in eastern Morocco will from Sunday receive around 700 COVID-19 patients following a sharp spike in infections in the kingdom, the government said.

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Morocco reported a record single-day rise in novel coronavirus cases on Friday after an outbreak was detected in fruit packing plants in eastern Kenitra province, prompting Rabat to tighten restrictions in the region.&nbsp;

The North African kingdom reported more than 500 cases on Friday, mainly in Kenitra, having recorded on average fewer than 100 new COVID-19 infections daily since confirming its first cases in early March.

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Authorities closed facilities, tested workers and launched an investigation to "establish responsibility" for the outbreak, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit said, as cited by official news agency MAP.&nbsp;

The field hospital will receive from Sunday "around 700 registered cases", he added.&nbsp;

Strawberry fields in Kenitra -- usually busy with workers harvesting at this time of year -- were deserted at the weekend, an AFP photographer said.

Several towns in the region were placed under quarantine and screenings were carried out among residents, who were asked to go out only in cases of "extreme necessity".

A dozen ambulances were stationed in Moulay Bousselham, one of the quarantined towns, ready to be dispatched to pick up confirmed cases.

Morocco, with a population of 34 million,&nbsp;has reported just over 9,800 cases and 213 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

On June 9, authorities announced a gradual lifting of restrictions in force since mid-March, though measures remain in place in major cities and a public health state of emergency has been extended until July 10.&nbsp;

Wearing masks in public is obligatory, gatherings are prohibited and mosques, cinemas and theatres are closed, while restaurants and cafes are open but limited to take-away orders.&nbsp;

The kingdom's borders remain closed "until further notice".

A new field hospital in eastern Morocco will from Sunday receive around 700 COVID-19 patients following a sharp spike in infections in the kingdom, the government said.

A new field hospital in eastern Morocco will from Sunday receive around 700 COVID-19 patients following a sharp spike in infections in the kingdom, the government said. Also read: China reports 26 new COVID-19 cases including 22 in capital Beijing Morocco reported a record single-day rise in novel coronavirus cases on Friday after an outbreak was detected in fruit packing plants in eastern Kenitra province, prompting Rabat to tighten restrictions in the region. The North African kingdom reported more than 500 cases on Friday, mainly in Kenitra, having recorded on average fewer than 100 new COVID-19 infections daily since confirming its first cases in early March. Also read: Coronavirus: Brazil nears 50,000 deaths; experts fear real number to be much higher Authorities closed facilities, tested workers and launched an investigation to "establish responsibility" for the outbreak, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit said, as cited by official news agency MAP. The field hospital will receive from Sunday "around 700 registered cases", he added. Strawberry fields in Kenitra -- usually busy with workers harvesting at this time of year -- were deserted at the weekend, an AFP photographer said. Several towns in the region were placed under quarantine and screenings were carried out among residents, who were asked to go out only in cases of "extreme necessity". A dozen ambulances were stationed in Moulay Bousselham, one of the quarantined towns, ready to be dispatched to pick up confirmed cases. Morocco, with a population of 34 million, has reported just over 9,800 cases and 213 deaths from the novel coronavirus. On June 9, authorities announced a gradual lifting of restrictions in force since mid-March, though measures remain in place in major cities and a public health state of emergency has been extended until July 10. Wearing masks in public is obligatory, gatherings are prohibited and mosques, cinemas and theatres are closed, while restaurants and cafes are open but limited to take-away orders. The kingdom's borders remain closed "until further notice".

Coronavirus: Morocco opens field hospital after spike in virus cases

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries.

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Rabat, Ambassador Kumaran said India has sent 6 million units of HCQ to the North African country and has offered training of Morrocans under its eITEC programme. As many as 140 Indians have registered for repatriation from the country. WION: How are both countries cooperating to deal with COVID? Shambhu S Kumaran: We had received a request for HCQ from Morocco -- 6 million units. These have now been delivered and an export licence was issued about two weeks ago. Delivery has been completed. That is one significant manifestation of our support to Morocco in the current crisis. We are trying to deliver our eITEC courses, our capacity building courses. One of the representatives of Morocco's ministry of health had attended the course that was recently offered. We want to expand telemedicine cooperation, for which we signed MoU in 2017 and we trying to develop avenues of cooperation. WION: How is the mission reaching out to the stranded Indians? Shambhu S Kumaran: There are two kinds groups in the Indian community. One is a community that has been settled in Morocco for a very long time. The number of community members have dwindled with years. But we have a few hundred families, who are still in Morocco and continue to contribute to the society and the economy. We have a class of Indian businessmen, tourist and professionals and unfortunately -- they have been stranded here. We had open registration for a potential repatriation flight and received 140 registration and that is the kind of numbers we are looking at. WION: Any Indian infected with COVID-19? When does mission plan to start repatriation? Shambhu S Kumaran: Thankfully, at the moment we have no infection amongst the Indians and that includes, embassy personnel and families and the ones I mentioned. With regard to the repatriation and evacuation flight, we are strongly engaged with the authorities in India, with the MEA and all the other colleagues from the government and exploring best possible. There are some constraints in terms of limited numbers. Indians here are from different states, so we do not have numbers to operate point to point flight which was done at first. But hopeful incoming phases we will be able to accommodate a flight here and I am strongly engaged with my colleagues in India to try and materialise that flight. WION: How has the situation been in the country? Any models we can follow? Shambhu S Kumaran: The situation in Morocco is reasonably under control. The numbers are not insignificant, however a decline in trend in new infections. The recovery rate is very good. The mortality rate is declining to close to zero. So positive signs, however, they had lockdown for two months and just a day before yesterday they decided to extend the lockdown for three weeks till June 10. The containment strategy is similar to the ones that India has followed. We are monitoring any innovative methods they have but at the moment nothing specific. WION: How has the condition of the Indian diplomats been? Shambhu S Kumaran: We try to prioritise interface with Indians. Indian diplomats in the mission have been in constant and regular touch, we try to keep morale high. They are in a difficult situation as you understand -- as they are separated from families and trying to survive in a situation under the lockdown. With regard to work, a lot of the work has shifted online, communicated a lot through email. We have a video conference and other such methods which has been used increasingly. I think the intensity of work has declined a bit but hopeful of more and more interaction coming ahead. WION: How has India been reaching to Africa and that part of Africa? How it has been received? Shambhu S Kumaran: Pandemic has reinforced India's image as a very responsible international stakeholder. We have been able to convey our ability to support other countries in Africa who are in need, despite the fact we have great need of our own and that has contrasted very well with some of the other countries approach the problem. So think, we reinvigorated India's role in Africa and it has given us further strength as we move ahead.

New Delhi is supporting African countries during coronavirus pandemic, says India's envoy to Morocco

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-issues-guidelines-for-its-personnel-visiting-kartarpur-corridor-266732">Indian Army</a> on the security situation, sources said.

This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/beyond-article-370-india-now-has-to-plan-jammu-and-kashmirs-thoroughgoing-integration-into-the-union-243991">Article 370</a> of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region.

Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit.

Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region. The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the Indian Army on the security situation, sources said. This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region. Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit. Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

Delegation of foreign envoys arrive in Srinagar; briefed by Army on security situation

Seven <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-seven-people-die-in-flash-floods-in-southern-morocco-246602">Moroccan migrants</a> were found dead on Saturday off Morocco's Atlantic coast near Casablanca after their boat capsized, the Interior Ministry said.

Three others were taken unconscious to the hospital, while search operations are ongoing, the ministry said in a statement.

The incident reflects a growing trend in illegal migration to Spain from the Atlantic coast following a government crackdown on Mediterranean routes.

Morocco is only 14 kilometres south of the Spanish coast at the strait of Gibraltar and shares&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-in-morocco-demanding-release-of-jailed-activists-212471">land borders</a> with the small Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta on its Mediterranean coast.

Moroccan authorities say they have stopped 57,000 migrants from illegally crossing to Spain between January&nbsp;1 and September&nbsp;1.

Figures released by the International Organisation for Migration show arrivals to Spain by sea more than halved to 16,894 from January&nbsp;1 to September 18, compared with 34,238 in the same period last year.

The Spanish government last month approved $35.2 million&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moroccos-king-mohammed-vi-celebrates-20-years-on-the-throne-239689">aid to Morocco</a> to combat illegal migration. The European Union has also promised 140 million euros in border management aid.

Seven Moroccan migrants were found dead on Saturday off Morocco's Atlantic coast near Casablanca after their boat capsized, the Interior Ministry said. Three others were taken unconscious to the hospital, while search operations are ongoing, the ministry said in a statement.

Seven Moroccan migrants were found dead on Saturday off Morocco's Atlantic coast near Casablanca after their boat capsized, the Interior Ministry said. Three others were taken unconscious to the hospital, while search operations are ongoing, the ministry said in a statement. The incident reflects a growing trend in illegal migration to Spain from the Atlantic coast following a government crackdown on Mediterranean routes. Morocco is only 14 kilometres south of the Spanish coast at the strait of Gibraltar and shares land borders with the small Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta on its Mediterranean coast. Moroccan authorities say they have stopped 57,000 migrants from illegally crossing to Spain between January 1 and September 1. Figures released by the International Organisation for Migration show arrivals to Spain by sea more than halved to 16,894 from January 1 to September 18, compared with 34,238 in the same period last year. The Spanish government last month approved $35.2 million in aid to Morocco to combat illegal migration. The European Union has also promised 140 million euros in border management aid.

Seven migrants drown after boat capsizes off Morocco's Atlantic coast

At least seven people were killed in flash floods in Morocco on Wednesday, following torrential rains in mountains in the south of the country near Taroudant, 600 kilometres (373 miles) south of Rabat, local authorities said.

Video footage from Wednesday, shot in the Moroccan town of Irherm, shows a barrage of floodwater surging down a road and submerging vehicles.

Most of the victims of the floods in the Taroudant province were swept away while watching a football game on a pitch built next to a dry river near the village of Tizrt.

Search operations are ongoing to find survivors, authorities said in a statement

The southern Moroccan mountains, known as the Anti-Atlas, are arid and rarely receive rain in the summer.

At least seven people were killed in flash floods in Morocco on Wednesday, following torrential rains in mountains in the south of the country near Taroudant, 600 kilometres (373 miles) south of Rabat, local authorities said.

At least seven people were killed in flash floods in Morocco on Wednesday, following torrential rains in mountains in the south of the country near Taroudant, 600 kilometres (373 miles) south of Rabat, local authorities said. Video footage from Wednesday, shot in the Moroccan town of Irherm, shows a barrage of floodwater surging down a road and submerging vehicles. Most of the victims of the floods in the Taroudant province were swept away while watching a football game on a pitch built next to a dry river near the village of Tizrt. Search operations are ongoing to find survivors, authorities said in a statement The southern Moroccan mountains, known as the Anti-Atlas, are arid and rarely receive rain in the summer.

At least seven people die in flash floods in southern Morocco

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle.

The new committee will serve as an advisory body to make suggestions to improve reforms in fields such as education, health, agriculture, investment and taxation.

The monarch made the speech to celebrate 20 years as king of the country.

The 55-year-old king enumerated some key achievements of his rule, with emphasis on infrastructure developments such as highways, high-speed railway, ports, renewable energy and urban development.

The monarchy delegated some of its powers to an elected government in 2011 after protesters called for a constitutional referendum.

Morocco has largely been insulated from the turmoil that hit North Africa and the Middle East since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 although it regularly sees protests over economic and social problems.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle. The new committee will serve as an advisory body to make suggestions to improve reforms in fields such as education, health, agriculture, investment and taxation. The monarch made the speech to celebrate 20 years as king of the country. The 55-year-old king enumerated some key achievements of his rule, with emphasis on infrastructure developments such as highways, high-speed railway, ports, renewable energy and urban development. The monarchy delegated some of its powers to an elected government in 2011 after protesters called for a constitutional referendum. Morocco has largely been insulated from the turmoil that hit North Africa and the Middle East since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 although it regularly sees protests over economic and social problems.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI celebrates 20 years on the throne

Three African migrants, including one who is 15, were discovered squeezed inside compartments under car dashboards and behind seats at a border crossing from Morocco to Spain, police said Monday.

Spanish police found a 15-year-old girl and two men aged 20 and 21, Friday morning when they searched three cars at the border between Morocco and the Spanish territory of Melilla, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force said.

Two migrants were found crammed inside tiny spaces installed under car dashboards while a third was hidden in a compartment behind the rear seat of one vehicle, a Guardia Civil statement said.

Two of the migrants required medical attention because they showed "symptoms of asphyxia, disorientation and generalised pain in the joints due to horrible way in which they were travelling," the statement added.

Police arrested the three drivers, all Moroccan men aged 19-31, on suspicion of people smuggling.
<img alt="African migrants" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4e8c13c-4dbd-4ac9-a3ee-92fae4275ee5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1GY9OV_0.jpg" />
Border police also found a 20-year-old migrant on Friday hanging from the undercarriage of a truck at the border crossing.

Spain's two North African enclaves, Melilla and Ceuta, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa.

They are often used as entry points into Europe for African migrants, who usually either climb over border fences or try to swim along the coast.
<img alt="African migrants" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c37f843-a576-4223-8002-97ae456a7859" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1GY9OX_0.jpg" />
&nbsp;

Three African migrants, including one who is 15, were discovered squeezed inside compartments under car dashboards and behind seats at a border crossing from Morocco to Spain, police said Monday.

Three African migrants, including one who is 15, were discovered squeezed inside compartments under car dashboards and behind seats at a border crossing from Morocco to Spain, police said Monday. Spanish police found a 15-year-old girl and two men aged 20 and 21, Friday morning when they searched three cars at the border between Morocco and the Spanish territory of Melilla, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force said. Two migrants were found crammed inside tiny spaces installed under car dashboards while a third was hidden in a compartment behind the rear seat of one vehicle, a Guardia Civil statement said. Two of the migrants required medical attention because they showed "symptoms of asphyxia, disorientation and generalised pain in the joints due to horrible way in which they were travelling," the statement added. Police arrested the three drivers, all Moroccan men aged 19-31, on suspicion of people smuggling. Border police also found a 20-year-old migrant on Friday hanging from the undercarriage of a truck at the border crossing. Spain's two North African enclaves, Melilla and Ceuta, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa. They are often used as entry points into Europe for African migrants, who usually either climb over border fences or try to swim along the coast.

Three African migrants hidden in cars at Spain-Morocco border

Spanish police say they intercepted four migrants hidden inside several vehicles trying to cross from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Melilla. The police released videos and images of the migrants, who they say were of sub-Saharan origin, wedged inside the interior of the vehicles, including one stashed in a glove box.

Spanish police intercept migrants hiding in cars

Thousands of Moroccans staged a march on Sunday&nbsp;in central Rabat to demand the release of activists who led protests over economic and social problems in the northern Rif region in late 2016 and 2017.

Two weeks ago, an appeals court in Casablanca upheld 20-year prison sentences against Nasser Zefzafi, Nabil Ahamjik, Ouassim Boustati and Samir Ighid on charges including undermining public order and threatening national unity.

Another 35 activists were jailed for between two and 15 years and one received a one-year suspended sentence.

Carrying flags of the Amazigh community and pictures of jailed activists, participants in the march chanted "Freedom, dignity and social justice", "Long live the Rif", and "The people want immediate release of Rif detainees."

The march brought together families of Rif activists, human rights organisations, the Amazigh movement, leftist political parties and the banned Islamist movement Al-Adl wal-Ihsan.

The demonstrators also called for the release of journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui who covered the Rif protests and received a three-year jail sentence on the charge of not reporting a crime against state security after receiving a phone call from a Moroccan living abroad saying he would introduce arms to Morocco.

The Rif demonstrations, along with those in the mining town of Jerada in early 2018, have been the most intense since unrest in 2011 prompted King Mohammed VI to devolve some of his powers to an elected parliament.

The protests in the predominantly Amazigh-speaking Rif erupted after the death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri in October 2016, who was crushed inside a rubbish truck trying to recover fish confiscated by police.

Thousands of Moroccans staged a march on Sunday in central Rabat to demand the release of activists who led protests over economic and social problems in the northern Rif region in late 2016 and 2017.

Thousands of Moroccans staged a march on Sunday in central Rabat to demand the release of activists who led protests over economic and social problems in the northern Rif region in late 2016 and 2017. Two weeks ago, an appeals court in Casablanca upheld 20-year prison sentences against Nasser Zefzafi, Nabil Ahamjik, Ouassim Boustati and Samir Ighid on charges including undermining public order and threatening national unity. Another 35 activists were jailed for between two and 15 years and one received a one-year suspended sentence. Carrying flags of the Amazigh community and pictures of jailed activists, participants in the march chanted "Freedom, dignity and social justice", "Long live the Rif", and "The people want immediate release of Rif detainees." The march brought together families of Rif activists, human rights organisations, the Amazigh movement, leftist political parties and the banned Islamist movement Al-Adl wal-Ihsan. The demonstrators also called for the release of journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui who covered the Rif protests and received a three-year jail sentence on the charge of not reporting a crime against state security after receiving a phone call from a Moroccan living abroad saying he would introduce arms to Morocco. The Rif demonstrations, along with those in the mining town of Jerada in early 2018, have been the most intense since unrest in 2011 prompted King Mohammed VI to devolve some of his powers to an elected parliament. The protests in the predominantly Amazigh-speaking Rif erupted after the death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri in October 2016, who was crushed inside a rubbish truck trying to recover fish confiscated by police.

Thousands protest in Morocco demanding release of jailed activists

Pope Francis visits Morocco in 34 years, to boost Christian-Muslim relations

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers.

Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name.

In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States.

"The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony.

"We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said.

Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups.

Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants were forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval.

From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing up in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman.

In the afternoon, the pope spoke again of migration during a visit to a Church-run shelter. He called migration "a great and deep wound that continues to afflict our world at the beginning of this 21st century. A wound that cries out to heaven."

He said migrants and refugees had rights and dignity "independent of their legal status" and that host community should reject "all forms of discrimination and xenophobia".

Francis and the king visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam.

Morocco, which is almost entirely Muslim, has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam.

Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name.

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name. In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States. "The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony. "We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said. Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups. Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants were forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval. From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing up in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman. In the afternoon, the pope spoke again of migration during a visit to a Church-run shelter. He called migration "a great and deep wound that continues to afflict our world at the beginning of this 21st century. A wound that cries out to heaven." He said migrants and refugees had rights and dignity "independent of their legal status" and that host community should reject "all forms of discrimination and xenophobia". Francis and the king visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam. Morocco, which is almost entirely Muslim, has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam. Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

'Wound' of migration not solved by physical barriers, pope says

Pope Francis told Morocco's tiny Catholic community on Sunday their role in the predominantly Muslim country was not to covert their neighbours but live in brotherhood with all other faiths.

Francis has used his two-day trip to stress inter-faith dialogue. He has also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name.

The country's 23,000 Roman Catholics - most of them expatriate Europeans, mainly French, and sub-Saharan African migrants - make up less than one per cent of the population of about 35 million.

"Christians are a small minority in this country. Yet, to my mind, this is not a problem, even though I realise that at times it can be difficult for some of you," he said at a meeting with Catholic community leaders in Rabat's cathedral.

Conservative Catholics have frequently criticised the pope's position against organised or aggressive recruiting of potential converts.

"The Church grows not through proselytism but by attraction," Francis said to applause.

"This means, dear friends, that our mission as baptized persons, priests and consecrated men and women, is not really determined by the number or size of spaces that we occupy, but rather by our capacity to generate change and to awaken wonder and compassion," he said.

Moroccan authorities do not recognise Moroccan converts to Christianity, many of whom worship secretly in homes. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is banned - as it is in many Muslim countries - and proselytising is punishable by up to three years in prison.

"The problem is not when we are few in number, but when we are insignificant," Francis said, adding that Catholics were called to be an integral part of inter-religious dialogue in a world "torn apart by the policies of extremism and division".

On Saturday, Francis and King Mohammed VI visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam.

Morocco has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam.

At the Saturday event, Francis praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

Also on Saturday, Jewish leaders joined Christian representatives in the front row at two events presided over by the pope and the monarch on interfaith dialogue.

Francis' appeal for inter-religious dialogue was made more poignant on Sunday by the presence in Rabat cathedral of Father Jean-Pierre Schumacher, a 95-year-old French monk who survived what is known as the Tibhirine massacre in Algeria.

In March 1996, seven French monks were kidnapped in a monastery in the central Algerian village of Tibhirine during the civil war. They were held for about two months and found dead. Schumacher managed to escape.

Pope Francis told Morocco's tiny Catholic community on Sunday their role in the predominantly Muslim country was not to covert their neighbours but live in brotherhood with all other faiths.

Pope Francis told Morocco's tiny Catholic community on Sunday their role in the predominantly Muslim country was not to covert their neighbours but live in brotherhood with all other faiths. Francis has used his two-day trip to stress inter-faith dialogue. He has also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name. The country's 23,000 Roman Catholics - most of them expatriate Europeans, mainly French, and sub-Saharan African migrants - make up less than one per cent of the population of about 35 million. "Christians are a small minority in this country. Yet, to my mind, this is not a problem, even though I realise that at times it can be difficult for some of you," he said at a meeting with Catholic community leaders in Rabat's cathedral. Conservative Catholics have frequently criticised the pope's position against organised or aggressive recruiting of potential converts. "The Church grows not through proselytism but by attraction," Francis said to applause. "This means, dear friends, that our mission as baptized persons, priests and consecrated men and women, is not really determined by the number or size of spaces that we occupy, but rather by our capacity to generate change and to awaken wonder and compassion," he said. Moroccan authorities do not recognise Moroccan converts to Christianity, many of whom worship secretly in homes. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is banned - as it is in many Muslim countries - and proselytising is punishable by up to three years in prison. "The problem is not when we are few in number, but when we are insignificant," Francis said, adding that Catholics were called to be an integral part of inter-religious dialogue in a world "torn apart by the policies of extremism and division". On Saturday, Francis and King Mohammed VI visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam. Morocco has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam. At the Saturday event, Francis praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself". Also on Saturday, Jewish leaders joined Christian representatives in the front row at two events presided over by the pope and the monarch on interfaith dialogue. Francis' appeal for inter-religious dialogue was made more poignant on Sunday by the presence in Rabat cathedral of Father Jean-Pierre Schumacher, a 95-year-old French monk who survived what is known as the Tibhirine massacre in Algeria. In March 1996, seven French monks were kidnapped in a monastery in the central Algerian village of Tibhirine during the civil war. They were held for about two months and found dead. Schumacher managed to escape.

Conversion is not your mission, pope tells Catholics in Morocco

Pope Francis said on Saturday that problems of migration would never be resolved by physical barriers but instead required social justice and correcting the world's economic imbalances.

Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a moderate form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects any form of terrorism or violence in God's name.

In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States.

US President Donald Trump, has vowed to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States.&nbsp;

"The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony.

"We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said.

Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups.

Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants are forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval.

From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman. At one point, a man rushed towards the king's car but was stopped by guards as the motorcade continued along the street lined with bystanders.

After the arrival ceremony Francis and the king were visiting an institute the monarch founded in 2015 for the training of imams and male and female preachers of Islam.

Morocco, which is nearly 100 per cent Muslim, has marketed itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam.

Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

The king said learning was the only way to combat religious extremism. "To tackle radicalism, the solution is neither military no financial; that solution has but one name: education," the king said. "What all terrorists have in common is not religion, but rather ignorance of religion."

Pope Francis said on Saturday that problems of migration would never be resolved by physical barriers but instead required social justice and correcting the world's economic imbalances.

Pope Francis said on Saturday that problems of migration would never be resolved by physical barriers but instead required social justice and correcting the world's economic imbalances. Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a moderate form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects any form of terrorism or violence in God's name. In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States. US President Donald Trump, has vowed to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States. "The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony. "We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said. Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups. Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants are forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval. From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman. At one point, a man rushed towards the king's car but was stopped by guards as the motorcade continued along the street lined with bystanders. After the arrival ceremony Francis and the king were visiting an institute the monarch founded in 2015 for the training of imams and male and female preachers of Islam. Morocco, which is nearly 100 per cent Muslim, has marketed itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam. Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself". The king said learning was the only way to combat religious extremism. "To tackle radicalism, the solution is neither military no financial; that solution has but one name: education," the king said. "What all terrorists have in common is not religion, but rather ignorance of religion."

Pope in Morocco says physical barriers won't solve migration issue

Morocco said Sunday it had repatriated eight of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-civilians-leave-islamic-states-syria-enclave-delaying-final-assault-202339">nationals from Syria</a>, who will be investigated for "suspected involvement in acts linked to terrorism".

"The competent Moroccan authorities proceeded on March 10 to repatriate a group of eight Moroccan citizens who were in conflict zones in Syria," the interior ministry said in a statement.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which is spearheading a final offensive against the Islamic State group's last redoubt, confirmed its involvement in the transfer.

The force "handed over some citizens from Morocco who used to stay in camps of northeast Syria to the Moroccan government," SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Backed by an international military coalition, the SDF has arrested thousands of IS jihadists who have fled the shrinking stronghold.

Many of those flooding out of IS territory are foreign fighters and their families -- including some Moroccan women, according to AFP journalists on the ground.

Sunday's operation had a "humanitarian character" and allowed the Moroccans to return to their home country safely, the ministry added.

In 2015, the number of Moroccans in jihadist ranks in Iraq and Syria was estimated at more than 1,600.

Those who return are arrested and receive sentences of 10 to 15 years in prison.

Syria's multi-fronted war has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions since it erupted in the wake of the government's bloody repression of street protests in 2011.

The SDF wants foreign fighters and their families to be repatriated by their countries of origin.

Rabat's move was praised by the United States, which said such actions "should encourage other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens" who have joined IS.

"Repatriating foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin is the best solution to prevent them from returning to the battlefield," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

Washington last month said it would not allow a US-born woman who had joined IS in Syria, Hoda Muthana, back into the country and declared she was not an American citizen.&nbsp;

Morocco said Sunday it had repatriated eight of its nationals from Syria, who will be investigated for "suspected involvement in acts linked to terrorism". "The competent Moroccan authorities proceeded on March 10 to repatriate a group of eight Moroccan citizens who were in conflict zones in Syria," the interior ministry said in a statement.

Morocco said Sunday it had repatriated eight of its nationals from Syria, who will be investigated for "suspected involvement in acts linked to terrorism". "The competent Moroccan authorities proceeded on March 10 to repatriate a group of eight Moroccan citizens who were in conflict zones in Syria," the interior ministry said in a statement. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which is spearheading a final offensive against the Islamic State group's last redoubt, confirmed its involvement in the transfer. The force "handed over some citizens from Morocco who used to stay in camps of northeast Syria to the Moroccan government," SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter. Backed by an international military coalition, the SDF has arrested thousands of IS jihadists who have fled the shrinking stronghold. Many of those flooding out of IS territory are foreign fighters and their families -- including some Moroccan women, according to AFP journalists on the ground. Sunday's operation had a "humanitarian character" and allowed the Moroccans to return to their home country safely, the ministry added. In 2015, the number of Moroccans in jihadist ranks in Iraq and Syria was estimated at more than 1,600. Those who return are arrested and receive sentences of 10 to 15 years in prison. Syria's multi-fronted war has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions since it erupted in the wake of the government's bloody repression of street protests in 2011. The SDF wants foreign fighters and their families to be repatriated by their countries of origin. Rabat's move was praised by the United States, which said such actions "should encourage other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens" who have joined IS. "Repatriating foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin is the best solution to prevent them from returning to the battlefield," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. Washington last month said it would not allow a US-born woman who had joined IS in Syria, Hoda Muthana, back into the country and declared she was not an American citizen.

Morocco repatriates eight alleged jihadists from Syria

Harry and Meghan take last official trip to Morocco before birth

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism.

Swaraj, on her maiden visit to the country, said an MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation will be signed between India and Morocco.

"Morocco has been a leader in counter-terrorism efforts and is a pioneer in fighting radicalisation. We are signing an MoU in this field to further deepen our bilateral cooperation," &nbsp;Swaraj said in her address to the Indian community in Rabat.

Referring to the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, Swaraj said she had wanted to cancel her visit,&nbsp;but was persuaded not to do so by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It's my first visit to Morocco. When I tour, I do so happily but I have come here with a heavy heart. I left on (February) 16th morning and on 14th February 40 of our jawans were killed in Pulwama. I thought I should cancel my visit," Swaraj said.

"When I mentioned it to the Prime Minister, he pointed out that Morocco had always stood with us against terrorism and is going to sign an agreement with us on counter-terrorism. He also said that the country is fighting radicalisation and urged me to go. That is how I agreed to come here," the minister said.

The Pulwama terror attack that took place on Thursday on a convoy of CRPF soldiers was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. It was the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

In Morocco, the minister is scheduled to meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita and other political leaders.

Meanwhile, during the external affairs minister's interaction session with the Indian community at Rabat, Moroccan singer Nasr Megri sang the favourite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'.

Swaraj is currently on a three-nation visit to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. She held talks with the Bulgarian leadership on Saturday related to strengthening cooperation in key areas, before arriving here for a two-day visit on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism.

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism. Swaraj, on her maiden visit to the country, said an MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation will be signed between India and Morocco. "Morocco has been a leader in counter-terrorism efforts and is a pioneer in fighting radicalisation. We are signing an MoU in this field to further deepen our bilateral cooperation," Swaraj said in her address to the Indian community in Rabat. Referring to the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, Swaraj said she had wanted to cancel her visit, but was persuaded not to do so by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It's my first visit to Morocco. When I tour, I do so happily but I have come here with a heavy heart. I left on (February) 16th morning and on 14th February 40 of our jawans were killed in Pulwama. I thought I should cancel my visit," Swaraj said. "When I mentioned it to the Prime Minister, he pointed out that Morocco had always stood with us against terrorism and is going to sign an agreement with us on counter-terrorism. He also said that the country is fighting radicalisation and urged me to go. That is how I agreed to come here," the minister said. The Pulwama terror attack that took place on Thursday on a convoy of CRPF soldiers was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. It was the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack. In Morocco, the minister is scheduled to meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita and other political leaders. Meanwhile, during the external affairs minister's interaction session with the Indian community at Rabat, Moroccan singer Nasr Megri sang the favourite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'. Swaraj is currently on a three-nation visit to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. She held talks with the Bulgarian leadership on Saturday related to strengthening cooperation in key areas, before arriving here for a two-day visit on Sunday.

India, Morocco to sign MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation.&nbsp;

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki.&nbsp;

"The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said.&nbsp;

Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said.&nbsp;

Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest. Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health. In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki. "The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said. Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said. Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

Sushma Swaraj visits Morocco to consolidate strategic partnership in areas of mutual interest

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The visit from February 16 to 19 will begin from Bulgaria's capital Sofia where she will meet deputy prime minister and foreign minister.&nbsp;

According to MEA, this is the first ever visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Bulgaria.&nbsp;

The visit comes just 6 months after President Kovind's visit to the European country. During his visit, he unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sofia's South Park along with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the father of the nation.

From 17 to 18, EAM will visit Morocco during which she will meet her Morrocan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also call on King of Morocco King Mohammed VI. Three MoUs will also be signed in the areas of Counter Terrorism, Housing and &nbsp;Human Settlements and Youth Matters during the visit.&nbsp;

The visit to Morocco comes even as India is increasing its engagement with the African continent.&nbsp;

Spain to honour EAM&nbsp;

In the last leg of her visit, EAM will travel to Spain on 18-19 February.&nbsp;

During her visit, the Spanish Government will honour her with prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India´s swift response through Operation Maitri.&nbsp;

Operation Maitri was a relief and rescue mission launched by India after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The operation saw 71 Spanish nationals being rescued among thousands of others.

Order of Civil Merit was established by Spain's King Alfonso XIII in 1926 and recognises "the civic virtue of officers in the service of the Nation, as well as extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain."

Other recipients of the award include President of Mexico Felipe Calderón Hinojosa in 2012, President of United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2008.

She will be meeting the Indian community in all the 3 countries she is visiting.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a four-day visit to three countries -- Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. Swaraj will begin her tour on Saturday and return to India on Tuesday. The visit from February 16 to 19 will begin from Bulgaria's capital Sofia where she will meet deputy prime minister and foreign minister. According to MEA, this is the first ever visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Bulgaria. The visit comes just 6 months after President Kovind's visit to the European country. During his visit, he unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sofia's South Park along with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the father of the nation. From 17 to 18, EAM will visit Morocco during which she will meet her Morrocan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also call on King of Morocco King Mohammed VI. Three MoUs will also be signed in the areas of Counter Terrorism, Housing and Human Settlements and Youth Matters during the visit. The visit to Morocco comes even as India is increasing its engagement with the African continent. Spain to honour EAM In the last leg of her visit, EAM will travel to Spain on 18-19 February. During her visit, the Spanish Government will honour her with prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India´s swift response through Operation Maitri. Operation Maitri was a relief and rescue mission launched by India after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The operation saw 71 Spanish nationals being rescued among thousands of others. Order of Civil Merit was established by Spain's King Alfonso XIII in 1926 and recognises "the civic virtue of officers in the service of the Nation, as well as extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain." Other recipients of the award include President of Mexico Felipe Calderón Hinojosa in 2012, President of United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2008. She will be meeting the Indian community in all the 3 countries she is visiting.

Sushma Swaraj to embark on three-nation tour from February 16 to 19

Moroccan authorities believe four suspects in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/man-held-in-morocco-stabbed-norwegian-and-danish-women-185058">the killing of two Scandinavian women</a> in the Atlas Mountains were acting on their own initiative, even though they had just pledged allegiance to Islamic State, an official said on Sunday.

Boubker Sabik, the spokesman for the Moroccan security and domestic intelligence services, also said the arrest of nine more people in the case had foiled a terror plot.

Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, 24, from Denmark, and Maren Ueland, 28, from Norway were found dead early on Monday near the village of Imlil on a route to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking and trekking destination.

News reports have said since said one of the women had been beheaded. The other had been found with stab wounds to her neck.&nbsp;

Sabik said on the state 2M TV channel that the four suspects, aged between 25 and 33 years, had headed to the Imlil area intent on committing a crime but without selecting their target in advance.

They had pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a video made on Friday before the bodies were found, but without agreeing on this in advance with any foreign entity.

Sabik described the four as "lone wolves". "The crime was not coordinated with Islamic State," he said. "Lone wolves do not need permission from their leader," he added, without explaining how the authorities had come to their conclusions.

One of them was arrested in 2013 as part of a crackdown on individuals who wanted to join extremists abroad, he said, adding that this suspect had radicalised the other three.

However, he dismissed reports that one was a returning foreign fighter from the Middle East. All four, who originated from the outskirts of Marrakech, had only informal jobs and had a low level of education, he added.

Referring to the nine other suspects detained on Friday in various Moroccan cities, he said their arrests "spared Morocco a terrorist plot".

Electronic devices, unauthorised hunting rifles, knives and materials that could be used for bomb-making were found in the course of those raids.

Sabik gave no details of this suspected plot but said Morocco is stepping up efforts to counter security threats posed by the return of Islamic State fighters from Syria and Iraq.

So far 242 out of 1,669 Moroccans who joined the militant group had been arrested, he said. Some fighters were using false passports and trying to hide among refugees heading for Europe as the jihadists suffer setbacks in the Middle East.

Authorities were still trying to authenticate a video that has been shared on social media purporting to show the beheading of one of the victims. "The video has no background and the clothes of the victim are not identical to those in reality," he said.

Compared with other countries in North Africa, Morocco has been largely insulated from militant attacks. The most recent took place in April 2011, when 17 people were killed in the bombing of a restaurant in Marrakech. In 2017 and 2018, Morocco dismantled 20 militant cells planning attacks in the country.

Moroccan authorities believe four suspects in the killing of two Scandinavian women in the Atlas Mountains were acting on their own initiative, even though they had just pledged allegiance to Islamic State, an official said on Sunday.

Moroccan authorities believe four suspects in the killing of two Scandinavian women in the Atlas Mountains were acting on their own initiative, even though they had just pledged allegiance to Islamic State, an official said on Sunday. Boubker Sabik, the spokesman for the Moroccan security and domestic intelligence services, also said the arrest of nine more people in the case had foiled a terror plot. Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, 24, from Denmark, and Maren Ueland, 28, from Norway were found dead early on Monday near the village of Imlil on a route to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking and trekking destination. News reports have said since said one of the women had been beheaded. The other had been found with stab wounds to her neck. Sabik said on the state 2M TV channel that the four suspects, aged between 25 and 33 years, had headed to the Imlil area intent on committing a crime but without selecting their target in advance. They had pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a video made on Friday before the bodies were found, but without agreeing on this in advance with any foreign entity. Sabik described the four as "lone wolves". "The crime was not coordinated with Islamic State," he said. "Lone wolves do not need permission from their leader," he added, without explaining how the authorities had come to their conclusions. One of them was arrested in 2013 as part of a crackdown on individuals who wanted to join extremists abroad, he said, adding that this suspect had radicalised the other three. However, he dismissed reports that one was a returning foreign fighter from the Middle East. All four, who originated from the outskirts of Marrakech, had only informal jobs and had a low level of education, he added. Referring to the nine other suspects detained on Friday in various Moroccan cities, he said their arrests "spared Morocco a terrorist plot". Electronic devices, unauthorised hunting rifles, knives and materials that could be used for bomb-making were found in the course of those raids. Sabik gave no details of this suspected plot but said Morocco is stepping up efforts to counter security threats posed by the return of Islamic State fighters from Syria and Iraq. So far 242 out of 1,669 Moroccans who joined the militant group had been arrested, he said. Some fighters were using false passports and trying to hide among refugees heading for Europe as the jihadists suffer setbacks in the Middle East. Authorities were still trying to authenticate a video that has been shared on social media purporting to show the beheading of one of the victims. "The video has no background and the clothes of the victim are not identical to those in reality," he said. Compared with other countries in North Africa, Morocco has been largely insulated from militant attacks. The most recent took place in April 2011, when 17 people were killed in the bombing of a restaurant in Marrakech. In 2017 and 2018, Morocco dismantled 20 militant cells planning attacks in the country.

Morocco tourist beheadings: Authorities say suspects were working alone, not with Islamic State

Moroccan police on Tuesday arrested a man suspected in the death of two female tourists from Norway and Denmark, found in the Atlas Mountains with knife wounds to the neck, the Interior Ministry said.

The women's bodies were found on Monday in an isolated area near Imlil, on the way to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination, the ministry said in a statement.

The man was arrested in Marrakech, Morocco's largest tourist hub, and police were hunting other individuals identified as suspects.

Moroccan police on Tuesday arrested a man suspected in the death of two female tourists from Norway and Denmark, found in the Atlas Mountains with knife wounds to the neck, the Interior Ministry said.

Moroccan police on Tuesday arrested a man suspected in the death of two female tourists from Norway and Denmark, found in the Atlas Mountains with knife wounds to the neck, the Interior Ministry said. The women's bodies were found on Monday in an isolated area near Imlil, on the way to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination, the ministry said in a statement. The man was arrested in Marrakech, Morocco's largest tourist hub, and police were hunting other individuals identified as suspects.

Man held after Norwegian, Danish women stabbed in Morocco

More than 150 countries will join a United Nations conference to adopt a global pact to better handle migrant flows, a senior UN official said on Sunday, less than the number that initially worked on the plan.

In July, all 193 UN members except the United States finalized the so-called Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to better handle migration.

Since then, the text has come under fire from European politicians who say it could increase immigration. At least six European Union members - mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe - have shunned the accord

UN Special Representative for International Migration Louise Arbour said more than 150 governments had registered for the event in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh set to adopt the accord on Monday, without giving details.

The pact is not legally binding but can provide very useful guidance for countries facing migration, she told a news conference.

“Many challenges will stand in the way of its implementation, not least the toxic and ill-informed narrative that too often persists when it comes to migrants,” she said.

In the latest political turmoil over the pact, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel relaunched his government on Sunday as a minority administration after the biggest party in his coalition quit in a dispute over signing the compact.

The right-wing N-VA pulled its ministers after Michel refused its demand that he does not agree to the pact.

Also on Sunday, Chile’s Interior Ministry Subsecretary Rodrigo Ubilla told El Mercurio newspaper that the country’s representatives would not attend the event, saying: “We have said that migration is not a human right. Countries have a right to determine the entry requirements for foreign citizens.”

In November, Austria’s right-wing government, which holds the EU presidency, said it would also withdraw, saying the accord would blur the line between legal and illegal migration.

Australia also said in November would not sign up to the migration agreement because it would compromise its hardline immigration policy and endanger national security.&nbsp;

Among other leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose 13-year chancellorship has been marked by her open-door migrant policy, will attend the event.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is a framework for cooperation and aims to reduce illegal migration, help integrate migrants and return them to their home countries.&nbsp;

More than 150 countries will join a United Nations conference to adopt a global pact to better handle migrant flows, a senior UN official said on Sunday, less than the number that initially worked on the plan.

More than 150 countries will join a United Nations conference to adopt a global pact to better handle migrant flows, a senior UN official said on Sunday, less than the number that initially worked on the plan. In July, all 193 UN members except the United States finalized the so-called Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to better handle migration. Since then, the text has come under fire from European politicians who say it could increase immigration. At least six European Union members - mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe - have shunned the accord UN Special Representative for International Migration Louise Arbour said more than 150 governments had registered for the event in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh set to adopt the accord on Monday, without giving details. The pact is not legally binding but can provide very useful guidance for countries facing migration, she told a news conference. “Many challenges will stand in the way of its implementation, not least the toxic and ill-informed narrative that too often persists when it comes to migrants,” she said. In the latest political turmoil over the pact, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel relaunched his government on Sunday as a minority administration after the biggest party in his coalition quit in a dispute over signing the compact. The right-wing N-VA pulled its ministers after Michel refused its demand that he does not agree to the pact. Also on Sunday, Chile’s Interior Ministry Subsecretary Rodrigo Ubilla told El Mercurio newspaper that the country’s representatives would not attend the event, saying: “We have said that migration is not a human right. Countries have a right to determine the entry requirements for foreign citizens.” In November, Austria’s right-wing government, which holds the EU presidency, said it would also withdraw, saying the accord would blur the line between legal and illegal migration. Australia also said in November would not sign up to the migration agreement because it would compromise its hardline immigration policy and endanger national security. Among other leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose 13-year chancellorship has been marked by her open-door migrant policy, will attend the event. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is a framework for cooperation and aims to reduce illegal migration, help integrate migrants and return them to their home countries.

More than 150 governments to adopt UN migration pact in Morocco

Arianespace on Wednesday launched a rocket from French Guiana carrying Morocco’s second earth observation satellite, the European launch company said.

The satellite, named Mohammed VI-B, was developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus, Arianespace said in a statement on its website.

It will be mainly used for mapping, land surveying, agricultural monitoring, prevention and management of natural disasters, monitoring changes in the environment and desertification as well as border and coastal surveillance, it said.

Arianespace, majority-owned by a joint venture of Airbus and Safran, launched Morocco’s first earth observation satellite, Mohammed VI-A, last November.

Arianespace on Wednesday launched a rocket from French Guiana carrying Morocco’s second earth observation satellite, the European launch company said. The satellite, named Mohammed VI-B, was developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus, Arianespace said in a statement on its website.

Arianespace on Wednesday launched a rocket from French Guiana carrying Morocco’s second earth observation satellite, the European launch company said. The satellite, named Mohammed VI-B, was developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus, Arianespace said in a statement on its website. It will be mainly used for mapping, land surveying, agricultural monitoring, prevention and management of natural disasters, monitoring changes in the environment and desertification as well as border and coastal surveillance, it said. Arianespace, majority-owned by a joint venture of Airbus and Safran, launched Morocco’s first earth observation satellite, Mohammed VI-A, last November.

Arianespace launches Morocco's second earth observation satellite

Mohamed Salah scored a last-minute winner as Egypt came from behind to end Tunisia's 100 percent record in African Nations Cup qualifying with a 3-2 win in Alexandria on Friday.

Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 in Casablanca and are now one point from a place in next year’s finals while tiny Burundi moved a step closer to qualification for the first time with a 5-2 away win over South Sudan.

Egypt and Tunisia had already secured their places at the finals by making sure of the top two spots in Group J but their clash was still bristling with tension after last week's victory for Tunisian club Esperance over Cairo’s Al Ahly in the African Champions League final.

Naim Sliti scored the opener for Tunisia after 13 minutes but Egypt were level at the break after Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan equalised with a deflected shot.

Baher El Mohamady put Egypt ahead with a 59th-minute header but fellow defender Ahmed Hegazy handed Sliti the chance to score his second with a poor clearance 18 minutes from time.

Salah, who had a quiet match, then produced yet another last-gasp winner for his country in the 90th minute with a deft chip over the goalkeeper after a quick interchange of passes.

Tunisia remained top of the group on the head-to-head countback with both countries on 12 points from five matches. Egypt have now won four matches since the World Cup in Russia under new coach Javier Aguirre.

A hat-trick from Abdul Razak Fiston inspired Burundi to a comfortable win over South Sudan in Juba and top place in Group C with nine points from five games.

Mali, on eight points, and Gabon, with seven, meet in Libreville on Saturday in the penultimate round of matches.

Burundi, reinforced in recent matches by Saido Berahino’s decision to switch international allegiance from England, would need a result at home to Gabon in their last qualifier in March to finish in the top two places and book a place in June’s finals in Cameroon.

Berahino and Cedric Hamissi scored Burundi’s other goals while Atak Lual and Dominic Aboy Koni got South Sudan’s first goals of the campaign, although they remained without any points.

Morocco's Hakim Ziyech netted a 54th-minute penalty and struck with a shot from outside the box 12 minutes later to settle the heavyweight clash against Cameroon in Casablanca.

Cameroon are playing preliminaries despite qualifying for the tournament as hosts.

Nations Cup qualifying continues across Africa on Saturday and Sunday with more countries set to join Cameroon, Egypt, Madagascar, Senegal and Tunisia in the 24-team finals line-up.

Mohamed Salah scored a last-minute winner as Egypt came from behind to end Tunisia's 100 percent record in African Nations Cup qualifying with a 3-2 win in Alexandria on Friday.

Mohamed Salah scored a last-minute winner as Egypt came from behind to end Tunisia's 100 percent record in African Nations Cup qualifying with a 3-2 win in Alexandria on Friday. Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 in Casablanca and are now one point from a place in next year’s finals while tiny Burundi moved a step closer to qualification for the first time with a 5-2 away win over South Sudan. Egypt and Tunisia had already secured their places at the finals by making sure of the top two spots in Group J but their clash was still bristling with tension after last week's victory for Tunisian club Esperance over Cairo’s Al Ahly in the African Champions League final. Naim Sliti scored the opener for Tunisia after 13 minutes but Egypt were level at the break after Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan equalised with a deflected shot. Baher El Mohamady put Egypt ahead with a 59th-minute header but fellow defender Ahmed Hegazy handed Sliti the chance to score his second with a poor clearance 18 minutes from time. Salah, who had a quiet match, then produced yet another last-gasp winner for his country in the 90th minute with a deft chip over the goalkeeper after a quick interchange of passes. Tunisia remained top of the group on the head-to-head countback with both countries on 12 points from five matches. Egypt have now won four matches since the World Cup in Russia under new coach Javier Aguirre. A hat-trick from Abdul Razak Fiston inspired Burundi to a comfortable win over South Sudan in Juba and top place in Group C with nine points from five games. Mali, on eight points, and Gabon, with seven, meet in Libreville on Saturday in the penultimate round of matches. Burundi, reinforced in recent matches by Saido Berahino’s decision to switch international allegiance from England, would need a result at home to Gabon in their last qualifier in March to finish in the top two places and book a place in June’s finals in Cameroon. Berahino and Cedric Hamissi scored Burundi’s other goals while Atak Lual and Dominic Aboy Koni got South Sudan’s first goals of the campaign, although they remained without any points. Morocco's Hakim Ziyech netted a 54th-minute penalty and struck with a shot from outside the box 12 minutes later to settle the heavyweight clash against Cameroon in Casablanca. Cameroon are playing preliminaries despite qualifying for the tournament as hosts. Nations Cup qualifying continues across Africa on Saturday and Sunday with more countries set to join Cameroon, Egypt, Madagascar, Senegal and Tunisia in the 24-team finals line-up.

Salah scores late winner for Egypt, Morocco sink Cameroon

The Cabinet Thursday approved the signing and ratifying of an extradition agreement between India and Morocco.

The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement will be signed during a proposed VIP visit from Morocco from November 11-18, an official statement said.

The agreement will provide a strong legal base for the extradition of fugitive offenders who are accused of economic offences, terrorism and other serious offences in one state and found in the other state.&nbsp;

The Cabinet also approved the agreement between India and Morocco on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters.

This agreement between India and Morocco will enhance cooperation in the service of summons, judicial documents, letters of request and the execution of judgments decrees and arbitral awards.

The Cabinet Thursday approved the signing and ratifying of an extradition agreement between India and Morocco. The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Cabinet Thursday approved the signing and ratifying of an extradition agreement between India and Morocco. The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement will be signed during a proposed VIP visit from Morocco from November 11-18, an official statement said. The agreement will provide a strong legal base for the extradition of fugitive offenders who are accused of economic offences, terrorism and other serious offences in one state and found in the other state. The Cabinet also approved the agreement between India and Morocco on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters. This agreement between India and Morocco will enhance cooperation in the service of summons, judicial documents, letters of request and the execution of judgments decrees and arbitral awards.

Cabinet approves signing, ratifying extradition pact between India and Morocco

FIFA members vote Wednesday on whether to award the 2026 World Cup to a slick North American bid or to Morocco, which has African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow are faced with a clear choice.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are the frontrunners, boasting modern, established stadiums and well-developed transport links.

Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors have classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

But the North American bid fears it could lose out if the vote essentially becomes a referendum on the popularity of US President Donald Trump.

Bid leader Carlos Cordeiro has urged FIFA members to vote on the "merits" of the bid, not Trump's divisive policies.

"We believe strongly that this decision will be made on its merits,"&nbsp;Cordeiro said in a conference call. "This is not geopolitics, we're talking about football and what is fundamentally, at the end of the day, the best interest of football and our footballing community."

The US lost out to Qatar in 2022 in a vote now tarnished by corruption allegations that spelled the beginning of the end of the once all-powerful FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

It prompted a change in the rules.&nbsp;Whereas previously the 24 members of the FIFA executive committee used to determine World Cup races,&nbsp;the host will now be decided by a vote of individual FIFA member nations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is believed to strongly support the North American bid because the three countries involved backed him for the presidency in 2016 when he took over after the reign of Blatter.

Critics of the Morocco bid also point to the fact that the 2026 World Cup will be the first to be expanded to 48 teams, posing a severe test for the hosts.

Bid leader Hicham El Amrani argues its 12 host cities are "very close to each other, with for example Casablanca a maximum 500 kilometres from another venue" compared to the vast distances involved in North America.

France, in particular, has lobbied behind the scenes for French-speaking Morocco and the bid has the support of most of Africa in line with a call from the head of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad.

It will likely need heavy support from European nations to pull off a shock win -- and its proximity to Europe is a plus for many supporters.&nbsp;

Aleksander Ceferin, the president of Europe's governing body UEFA, says he has not directed his members which way to vote.

"UEFA delegates are smart enough to choose what is best for football," he told the BBC.

Morocco has tried, and failed, four times before, in votes for the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 tournaments -- it lost out in the latter to South Africa, the only African nation ever to have hosted football's global showpiece.

North American bid leaders countered by promising to deliver a record $11 billion profit.

Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026

FIFA members vote Wednesday on whether to award the 2026 World Cup to a slick North American bid or to Morocco, which has African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow are faced with a clear choice. The United States, Mexico and Canada are the frontrunners, boasting modern, established stadiums and well-developed transport links. Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors have classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five. But the North American bid fears it could lose out if the vote essentially becomes a referendum on the popularity of US President Donald Trump. Bid leader Carlos Cordeiro has urged FIFA members to vote on the "merits" of the bid, not Trump's divisive policies. "We believe strongly that this decision will be made on its merits," Cordeiro said in a conference call. "This is not geopolitics, we're talking about football and what is fundamentally, at the end of the day, the best interest of football and our footballing community." The US lost out to Qatar in 2022 in a vote now tarnished by corruption allegations that spelled the beginning of the end of the once all-powerful FIFA president Sepp Blatter. It prompted a change in the rules. Whereas previously the 24 members of the FIFA executive committee used to determine World Cup races, the host will now be decided by a vote of individual FIFA member nations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is believed to strongly support the North American bid because the three countries involved backed him for the presidency in 2016 when he took over after the reign of Blatter. Critics of the Morocco bid also point to the fact that the 2026 World Cup will be the first to be expanded to 48 teams, posing a severe test for the hosts. Bid leader Hicham El Amrani argues its 12 host cities are "very close to each other, with for example Casablanca a maximum 500 kilometres from another venue" compared to the vast distances involved in North America. France, in particular, has lobbied behind the scenes for French-speaking Morocco and the bid has the support of most of Africa in line with a call from the head of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad. It will likely need heavy support from European nations to pull off a shock win -- and its proximity to Europe is a plus for many supporters. Aleksander Ceferin, the president of Europe's governing body UEFA, says he has not directed his members which way to vote. "UEFA delegates are smart enough to choose what is best for football," he told the BBC. Morocco has tried, and failed, four times before, in votes for the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 tournaments -- it lost out in the latter to South Africa, the only African nation ever to have hosted football's global showpiece. North American bid leaders countered by promising to deliver a record $11 billion profit.

Who will host football World Cup 2026: Canada, US & Mexico or Morocco

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.

The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada -&nbsp;and Morocco.

Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football&nbsp;carnival.

North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -&nbsp;many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada - and Morocco. Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper - many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

US, Mexico and Canada to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

United States President Donald Trump has tweeted in support of the joint North American bid to host FIFA World Cup 2026. He said, "The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup." Previously the US hosted football World Cup in 1994. For FIFA 2026, North American bid boasts large stadiums and excellent infrastructure.

Trump also issued a warning to the countries who might oppose the joint US-Canada-Mexico bid. Other than the North American joint bid, Morocco is the only strong rival which can stand against them.

On Thursday, Trump tweeted, "It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?"

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The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989650212380692480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is&nbsp;expected that Morocco might receive strong backing from FIFA's African and Middle East countries.

On June 13 in Moscow, The FIFA Congress will meet to select the 2026 host. A majority of the 207 voting FIFA members is needed to decide. Member countries might also&nbsp;pick neither bid, which would lead to the host process being reopened.

FIFA member countries receive one vote each, no matter their size, which gives disproportionate influence to small soccer nations.

FIFA 2026 will be the 23rd edition of football World Cup. The upcoming edition is scheduled to take place in June 2018 in Russia.

Donald Trump also issued a warning to the countries who might oppose the joint US-Canada-Mexico bid to host football World Cup 2026

United States President Donald Trump has tweeted in support of the joint North American bid to host FIFA World Cup 2026. He said, "The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup." Previously the US hosted football World Cup in 1994. For FIFA 2026, North American bid boasts large stadiums and excellent infrastructure. Trump also issued a warning to the countries who might oppose the joint US-Canada-Mexico bid. Other than the North American joint bid, Morocco is the only strong rival which can stand against them. On Thursday, Trump tweeted, "It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?" The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2018 × It is expected that Morocco might receive strong backing from FIFA's African and Middle East countries. On June 13 in Moscow, The FIFA Congress will meet to select the 2026 host. A majority of the 207 voting FIFA members is needed to decide. Member countries might also pick neither bid, which would lead to the host process being reopened. FIFA member countries receive one vote each, no matter their size, which gives disproportionate influence to small soccer nations. FIFA 2026 will be the 23rd edition of football World Cup. The upcoming edition is scheduled to take place in June 2018 in Russia.

Trump threatens countries who don't support North American joint bid for FIFA 2026

A video of a young woman being sexually assaulted by a gang of teenage boys on a bus in Casablanca has sparked outrage in Morocco, reigniting a bitter debate about violence against women in the Muslim country.

The video, which was posted on social media on Sunday, shows four boys sexually molesting a woman while laughing, tearing her clothes off and insulting her in Arabic.

The woman, who the authorities said had learning difficulties, is seen in tears, crying for help, while neither the bus driver nor any of the passengers intervene.

Sexual harassment and abuse of women is rife in Morocco where a national survey found that nearly two-thirds of women had experienced physical, psychological, sexual or economic abuse. Earlier in August a video showing a mob of men hounding a young woman on a street in Tangier caused uproar in the media.

On Monday the Moroccan authorities said they had arrested six boys aged 15 to 17 for their &ldquo;presumed implication in the woman&rsquo;s aggression&rdquo; and put them under investigation.

While the video sparked widespread condemnation on social and local media, some users accused the woman of having &ldquo;provoked the men with indecent clothing&rdquo;.

One man wrote on Facebook that &ldquo;I condemn the act but cover yourselves up, this one was easy to undress.&rdquo;

Moroccan charity Don&rsquo;t Touch My Child called for any witnesses to come forward &ldquo;to bring to justice this barbaric horde who shamefully attacked a young women&rdquo;.

Public transport company M&rsquo;Dina Bus condemned the incident and said it was collaborating with authorities in the north African kingdom, which is trying to attract investors and tourists by presenting itself as a safe haven.

Authorities said the woman had learning difficulties

A video of a young woman being sexually assaulted by a gang of teenage boys on a bus in Casablanca has sparked outrage in Morocco, reigniting a bitter debate about violence against women in the Muslim country. The video, which was posted on social media on Sunday, shows four boys sexually molesting a woman while laughing, tearing her clothes off and insulting her in Arabic. The woman, who the authorities said had learning difficulties, is seen in tears, crying for help, while neither the bus driver nor any of the passengers intervene. Sexual harassment and abuse of women is rife in Morocco where a national survey found that nearly two-thirds of women had experienced physical, psychological, sexual or economic abuse. Earlier in August a video showing a mob of men hounding a young woman on a street in Tangier caused uproar in the media. On Monday the Moroccan authorities said they had arrested six boys aged 15 to 17 for their “presumed implication in the woman’s aggression” and put them under investigation. While the video sparked widespread condemnation on social and local media, some users accused the woman of having “provoked the men with indecent clothing”. One man wrote on Facebook that “I condemn the act but cover yourselves up, this one was easy to undress.” Moroccan charity Don’t Touch My Child called for any witnesses to come forward “to bring to justice this barbaric horde who shamefully attacked a young women”. Public transport company M’Dina Bus condemned the incident and said it was collaborating with authorities in the north African kingdom, which is trying to attract investors and tourists by presenting itself as a safe haven.

Morocco: Video of boys sexually assaulting woman in bus sparks outrage

More than 300 African migrants jumped the border fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Monday morning, the second mass push since Friday, the emergency services said.

Eleven people were hospitalised after the jump over the 6-metre, barbed-wire fencing surrounding the North African enclave, the Red Cross said.

On Friday, about 500 migrants crossed the same fenced border, often used as an entry point into Europe for African migrants who attempt to climb it or swim around it along the coast.

Both Spain&#39;s two North Afican enclaves, Ceuta on Morocco&#39;s northern point off the Strait of Gibraltar, and Melilla, which lies further to the east and closer to the Algerian border, are often the focus of attempted illegal border crossings.

More than 1,100 migrants attempted to cross into Ceuta in January, but most were turned back.

(Reuters)

On Friday, about 500 migrants crossed the same fenced border, often used as an entry point into Europe for African migrants

More than 300 African migrants jumped the border fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Monday morning, the second mass push since Friday, the emergency services said. Eleven people were hospitalised after the jump over the 6-metre, barbed-wire fencing surrounding the North African enclave, the Red Cross said. On Friday, about 500 migrants crossed the same fenced border, often used as an entry point into Europe for African migrants who attempt to climb it or swim around it along the coast. Both Spain's two North Afican enclaves, Ceuta on Morocco's northern point off the Strait of Gibraltar, and Melilla, which lies further to the east and closer to the Algerian border, are often the focus of attempted illegal border crossings. More than 1,100 migrants attempted to cross into Ceuta in January, but most were turned back. (Reuters)

Over 300 African migrants cross into Spain in second wave in 3 days

&quot;I am finally home,&quot; King Mohammed VI said Tuesday as the African Union readmitted Morocco after a 33-year absence, deferring the issue of Western Sahara for another day.

Morocco&#39;s return came a day after 39 of the AU&#39;s 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold, despite stiff resistance from countries such as South Africa and Algeria over the status of the disputed former Spanish colony.

Faced with the AU&#39;s decision, Western Sahara officials appeared to accept the new reality, saying AU membership might help speed up efforts to end a protracted conflict.

&quot;It is a beautiful day when one returns home after too long an absence,&quot; Mohammed VI told the closing ceremony of the AU summit in Ethiopia.

His speech came after a long day of feverish speculation in the halls of the AU headquarters over whether he would indeed show up. Morocco quit the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1984 after the bloc admitted the former Western Sahara as a separate member.&nbsp;

Morocco maintains that the territory under its control -- which is home to large reserves of phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilisers, as well as rich fish stocks off its coast -- is an integral part of the kingdom.

But the Polisario Front, which campaigns for independence, demands a referendum on self-determination for the territory of half a million residents.

Some had feared Morocco would seek the expulsion of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a precondition for its return to the AU, but the country agreed to return without conditions.

&quot;From the moment that Morocco did not impose conditions ... we take their word for it and accept that Morocco be admitted to the African Union,&quot; said Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, foreign minister of the SADR, which claims sovereignty over the entire territory of Western Sahara.

Salek said Monday that having Morocco in the same room would allow the SADR to pressure them into fulfilling their obligations and hold a long-sought referendum.

The European Union has welcomed the move, saying: &quot;Cooperation and regional integration are essential for prosperity, stability and peace.&quot;

King Mohammed did not raise the issue of Western Sahara in his speech, choosing instead to highlight how Morocco, &quot;one of the most developed African nations&quot;, could be a boon to the continent.

&quot;We do not ignore the fact that we do not have unanimity in this noble assembly. We do not want to create divisions as some have insinuated,&quot; he said.

Morocco will be &quot;a motor for common economic growth&quot;, he vowed.

&quot;It is time that Africa&#39;s riches benefit Africa. For too long we have looked elsewhere to make decisions, commitments.&quot;

The busy summit also saw Chadian foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat take over from South Africa`s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU commission chief after a fierce election battle that eliminated four other candidates.

Guinea&#39;s Alpha Conde took over the rotating presidency of the bloc, and called for the continent to express solidarity with Somalia, Libya and Sudan, which have been targeted US President Donald Trump&#39;s travel ban.

The decision to re-admit Morocco, and election of a new chairman, took place despite regional divisions that observers feared could lead to delay or deadlock on both issues.

Morocco&#39;s press on Tuesday hailed the kingdom&#39;s return to the bloc, with headlines including &quot;Victorious return&quot; and &quot;Thank you your Majesty&quot;.

&quot;The country will now revert to its role as a political and economic leader and correct its previous errors,&quot; Mohamed Alaoui, a pensioner in Rabat, told AFP. A combative Conde also called for more urgency in reforming the United Nations so that Africa could get a permanent seat on the Security Council -- a long-running demand from the continent.

He appointed South African President Jacob Zuma to lead negotiations with the UN, and also look into the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations on the continent.

&quot;What is the role of the blue helmets? What purpose does this army serve?&quot; Conde asked, pointing to violence in places like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to negotiate on behalf of the continent with the European Union on the issue of migrants.

&quot;On the migration problem we need to speak with one voice,&quot; Conde said.

(AFP)

Morocco's return came a day after 39 of the AU's 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold

"I am finally home," King Mohammed VI said Tuesday as the African Union readmitted Morocco after a 33-year absence, deferring the issue of Western Sahara for another day. Morocco's return came a day after 39 of the AU's 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold, despite stiff resistance from countries such as South Africa and Algeria over the status of the disputed former Spanish colony. Faced with the AU's decision, Western Sahara officials appeared to accept the new reality, saying AU membership might help speed up efforts to end a protracted conflict. "It is a beautiful day when one returns home after too long an absence," Mohammed VI told the closing ceremony of the AU summit in Ethiopia. His speech came after a long day of feverish speculation in the halls of the AU headquarters over whether he would indeed show up. Morocco quit the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1984 after the bloc admitted the former Western Sahara as a separate member. Morocco maintains that the territory under its control -- which is home to large reserves of phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilisers, as well as rich fish stocks off its coast -- is an integral part of the kingdom. But the Polisario Front, which campaigns for independence, demands a referendum on self-determination for the territory of half a million residents. Some had feared Morocco would seek the expulsion of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a precondition for its return to the AU, but the country agreed to return without conditions. "From the moment that Morocco did not impose conditions ... we take their word for it and accept that Morocco be admitted to the African Union," said Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, foreign minister of the SADR, which claims sovereignty over the entire territory of Western Sahara. Salek said Monday that having Morocco in the same room would allow the SADR to pressure them into fulfilling their obligations and hold a long-sought referendum. The European Union has welcomed the move, saying: "Cooperation and regional integration are essential for prosperity, stability and peace." King Mohammed did not raise the issue of Western Sahara in his speech, choosing instead to highlight how Morocco, "one of the most developed African nations", could be a boon to the continent. "We do not ignore the fact that we do not have unanimity in this noble assembly. We do not want to create divisions as some have insinuated," he said. Morocco will be "a motor for common economic growth", he vowed. "It is time that Africa's riches benefit Africa. For too long we have looked elsewhere to make decisions, commitments." The busy summit also saw Chadian foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat take over from South Africa`s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU commission chief after a fierce election battle that eliminated four other candidates. Guinea's Alpha Conde took over the rotating presidency of the bloc, and called for the continent to express solidarity with Somalia, Libya and Sudan, which have been targeted US President Donald Trump's travel ban. The decision to re-admit Morocco, and election of a new chairman, took place despite regional divisions that observers feared could lead to delay or deadlock on both issues. Morocco's press on Tuesday hailed the kingdom's return to the bloc, with headlines including "Victorious return" and "Thank you your Majesty". "The country will now revert to its role as a political and economic leader and correct its previous errors," Mohamed Alaoui, a pensioner in Rabat, told AFP. A combative Conde also called for more urgency in reforming the United Nations so that Africa could get a permanent seat on the Security Council -- a long-running demand from the continent. He appointed South African President Jacob Zuma to lead negotiations with the UN, and also look into the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations on the continent. "What is the role of the blue helmets? What purpose does this army serve?" Conde asked, pointing to violence in places like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. He also appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to negotiate on behalf of the continent with the European Union on the issue of migrants. "On the migration problem we need to speak with one voice," Conde said. (AFP)

Morocco returns to African Union after more than 3 decades

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