Morocco pavilion garners high praise at Expo

(ANSA)- Milan, May 25 - The Moroccan pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 wowed visitors over the weekend with its recreation of the sights, aromas and even winds of the North African country. "You even feel the hot wind of the Sahara," two young visitors enthused at the exit of an exhibit that is garnering praise as one of the best in the world fair, both in terms of architecture and atmosphere. The pavilion recreates Sahara wind, the aroma of oranges and olives, and a taste of authentic Mediterranean garden in the heart of a fortified historic Arab citadel.
    Dressed in an elegant blue kaftan, Morocco's Princess Lalla Hasnaa delivered greetings to Expo from her brother, King Mohammed VI, and celebrated her country in festivities featuring drums and songs typical of the desert, and a celebratory chorus with the guttural "you-you" of women, accompanied by dances involving visitors and official guests.
    Speaking from the ceremony stage, the princess called Milan Expo, whose theme is Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life, "an extraordinary opportunity".
    "For Morocco, the agricultural sector is a major driver of development. For this reason, from 2008, we have solicited the (Moroccan) government to launch the Morocco Green Plan, to facilitate the transition from traditional to more modern farming. By 2020, 42% of our energy needs will be in electricity," said Princess Hasnaa.