The Andalusian government and Morocco have signed an agreement to restore the former Moroccan Pavilion from Expo 92 in Seville, which currently houses the headquarters of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation. The signing took place in Essaouira between Patricia del Pozo, Andalusia's Minister of Culture and Sports, and André Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI, who serve as co-chairs of the foundation. The agreement aims to develop joint projects in traditional crafts, heritage preservation, and cultural cooperation. It focuses on exchanging expertise between Morocco and Andalusia in the crafts sector, promoting Moroccan art and culture in Andalusia through the foundation, and launching a comprehensive restoration project for the Hassan II Pavilion. The pavilion was designed by architect Michel Pinseau, also known for his work on the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The accord, part of a «Memorandum of Intent to Develop Projects in the Field of Traditional Industry», was also signed by Lahcen Saadi, Secretary of State in charge of Traditional Industry and the Social and Solidarity Economy, and Tarek Sadiq, Director General of Dar Al-Sanaï, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Hassan II Mosque Foundation in Casablanca. The Hassan II Pavilion remains one of the last active structures from Expo 92. Known for its eight-pointed star design, moving dome, and intricate wood, mosaic, and stucco decorations, it stands as a symbol of Moroccan craftsmanship. However, the building has suffered exterior deterioration over time, prompting a restoration that will include structural reinforcement, energy efficiency improvements, and repairs to its woodwork, mosaics, fountains, and Andalusian gardens.
