A MOROCCAN passport officer asked me, "What do you teach?" "Communication," I answered. With typical bright smile, he asked me to explain what it means to communicate and what the most important skills are. "Communication is a fundamental belief. If a message doesn't come from your heart, there is no point in faking it — it'd always show," I pointed out and explained, "Communication begins when you believe in and apply the Qur'an verse: (O people, we created you as a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so you get to know each other)." "Then, the principles and values of tolerance, cooperation, justice, righteousness and charity would emanate from your soul to all around you. You would easily learn the mechanics and skills of positive and effective communication, and find it easier to convince others of your sincerity." I asked him, "Do you know what are the greatest communication skills?" Then said: "It's the smile. The Moroccan's smile, for example, conveys the feelings of friendliness, respect, empathy and appreciation to all regardless of their languages, races and ages. Smile is the message understood by every human being and creature. So keep smiling and your are already half the way in communication school!" My encounter with the passport officer was not the only good experience. If Japan was the country of the "Rising Sun," then Morocco is the "Bright Smile Land." You expect no less than warmth, kindness and generous Arab hospitality from most people. During my first trip in 1985, I was impressed by the major leaps in the development and progress the country achieved in recent decades. In addition to its charming nature, ancient heritage, proud culture, and rich sources of water, fisheries and phosphate, Morocco's greatest treasure lies in its well-educated and skilled human resources. Moroccan economy has benefited from major projects such as the extensive networks of dams, roads, railway, telecommunications, ports and airports. Recently, they have built the fastest train system in the North Africa. Still, the economy is in dire need of liberation and moderation. Foreign investors are frightened off by red tape and certain laws. Investors, for instance, are restrained to withdraw and transfer from their hard-earned profits over the stipulated limits. The dirham value is decided by local financial authorities. The most attractive asset in Morocco, however, is its people. Their beauty is reflected in their environment, society and cities. They are green, bright, clean, elegant and simple. Contrary to their public image in some Arab countries, most Moroccans are conservative Muslims. This shows in their preservation of their Arab and Islamic heritage, customs and traditions. Westernized liberals are there too, especially in metropolitan areas, but you would hardly notice them, unless you were on the look. In cities and countryside; from the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to heartland; from the beaches of Casablanca to the alleys of Marrakech; and from the diplomatic districts in Rabat to the luxurious resorts in El Jadida, Morocco looked clean, safe, and organized. The wisdom of Moroccans is reflected in the relationship between the ruled and the rulers. When the nation's enemies tried to stir up the people against their leadership during the so-called "Arab Spring," and as some Arab governments lag behind the demands of their people, the Moroccan leadership was step ahead. King Mohammed VI has presented his reform initiative way beyond the aspirations and demands of his people. This contributed to the stability in his country and increased his already high popularity. This wisdom has again manifested in the King's support of the Arab and Muslim alliance in the face of terrorism, Israeli and Iranian aggression. Promising Morocco awaits more of our investments and people to people communication. We need cultural and scientific exchange that includes schools, universities, research centers and civic institutions. We may benefit from Moroccan expertise in tourism, fishing, traditional industries and mining. It could be our shortcoming, or maybe theirs. However, we, on both sides of the Arab world, need to improve relations, cooperation and communication. We should also change wrong concepts and fight stereotyping. There is no better way than regular exchanges of visits and direct networking between institutions and organizations of businesses, media, culture and education. We could facilitate such collaboration with well-organized regular conferences, exhibitions, seminars, and various cultural and scientific programs. It is about time we start building that Arab bridge between the east and the west. — Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
