Moroccan Transportation Minister’s Selfie with Turkish President Sparks Controversy
During the Global Transport Connectivity Forum held in Turkey, Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdel-Samad Kiouh, was seen seeking a selfie with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which he later shared online.
While he hoped to receive praise for this gesture, it instead led to significant backlash. Many social media users felt that a selfie was inappropriate for a Moroccan minister.
The image has divided opinions among internet users. Supporters viewed it as a spontaneous moment reflecting the minister’s openness, which could strengthen Morocco’s international image. They argued it highlighted the minister’s ability to engage with global leaders, potentially enhancing bilateral relations between Morocco and Turkey.
Conversely, critics condemned the minister’s actions, suggesting that capturing a selfie at a formal event undermined diplomatic protocols. Some argued that this behavior could diminish Morocco’s stature during international discussions focused on strategic issues like transport and logistics. They urged a greater emphasis on substantive topics rather than personal images.
Signing of Memoranda of Understanding Between Morocco and Turkey
On the sidelines of the forum, Morocco and Turkey signed two memoranda of understanding on June 27, 2025, concerning road safety and maritime corridors. The documents were signed by Minister Kiouh and his Turkish counterpart, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in the presence of Ambassador Mohamed Ali Al-Azraq.
Minister Kiouh emphasized that the first memorandum focuses on technological cooperation in road safety, leveraging Turkey’s experience in freight transportation. The second memorandum aims to enhance Morocco’s national maritime fleet, drawing on Turkish expertise in navigation and shipbuilding. This aligns with the directives of King Mohammed VI as outlined in his speech commemorating the Green March.
