Responding to the criticism of writers and critics about the absence of the intellectuals within the Moroccan cultural scene, Moroccan Minister of Culture Mohamed Amin al-Subaihy, stressed that the intellectuals occupy a leading position in the ministry's concerns, indicating their presence International Exhibition of Books and Publishing this year.

"Their presence emerged in attending various seminars and meetings, signatures, or through books and publications," the minister said.

The minister revealed, in an exclusive statement to Arabs Today, on the sidelines of the current session of the International Exhibition of Books and Publishing, held in Casablanca, that these criticisms are not based on correct information, pointing out there are more than 100 meeting, attended by more than 300 intellectuals, creative and writer.

"They will receive also numerous awards, whether awards sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, either directly or as a partner with other parties, in which to honor the intellectuals and artists," al-Subaihy stated.

The Minister of Culture stressed that intellectual is the one who illuminates the community's path through his ideas and creation, and whenever he maintained his independence in the society, his role becomes more effective, because there is no life for any community without  free intellectuals.

The Ministry of Culture is seeking to provide conditions of freedom and support, whether through the support of specialized books and magazines or through awards like Morocco Book Award, al-Subaihy said.