Morocco lionizes "exemplary" Kuwaiti poet

FEZ, MOROCCO, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- A renowned Kuwaiti poet was feted in a lavish ceremony late Saturday for his profound efforts to bring exposure to Moroccan and Arab culture.
In a star-studded gala that brought together Moroccan government officials and a number of literary figures from across the Arab region, Idris Al-Azmi, the mayor of Morocco's second largest city, presented Abdulaziz Al-Babtain with the key to the city.
"The honor bestowed upon Al-Babatain is a gesture of appreciation for his exceptional contributions towards Arab and Islamic culture," Al-Azmi said in a speech.
He spoke of a plethora of events to have taken place in the North African nation that Al-Babtain was involved in, some of which date back to nearly three decades.
Meanwhile, Hamid Zakaria, an official at the Moroccan ministry of culture, paid tribute to the Kuwaiti poet with an honorary plaque commemorating him.
He pointed out that many of Al-Babtain's works were instrumental in creating a sense of camaraderie between Kuwaitis and Moroccans, saying the Kuwaiti poet was a "notable personality." A gleeful Al-Babtain said that the accolade was another feather in his country's cap, proving yet again how generous and altruistic the people of this Gulf nation are. (end) mry.nam