Historic Visit of the Gloria to Casablanca
On October 29, 2023, the Colombian Embassy in Morocco proudly announced the conclusion of the Gloria's visit to Casablanca, a majestic three-masted ship from the Colombian Navy that arrived on October 27 with 67 cadets on board for a three-day stopover. This visit marks the first time the Gloria has docked in Morocco in seven years, symbolizing the strong ties between Colombia and Morocco through naval diplomacy and cultural exchange.
The itinerary for the Gloria's stay in Casablanca was rich and diverse, encompassing elements of naval diplomacy, education for the cadets, and a showcase of Colombian culture. The Colombian Embassy highlighted that the crew engaged in meetings with local authorities, exchanged ideas with Moroccan naval training institutions, and took part in joint activities alongside their Moroccan counterparts. This collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering international relationships through education and cultural interaction.
During its stay, the Colombian authorities opened the ship to the Colombian community residing in Morocco, as well as to the Moroccan public and pre-registered visitors, allowing them to explore this remarkable vessel. The visit also included diplomatic, commercial, academic, and cultural meetings, further solidifying the connections between the two nations.
Gloria's International Voyage
The Gloria set sail on April 28, 2023, from the ARC Bolívar Naval Base in Cartagena, embarking on her 2026 international training voyage, which will cover eighteen ports across three continents: America, Europe, and Africa. This training mission includes 67 cadets from the Almirante Padilla Naval School, who will practice navigation, command, and maritime maneuvers in real-world conditions aboard the ship.
Commissioned in 1968, the Gloria is classified as a barquentine, measuring an impressive 76.8 meters in length and 4.8 meters in draft, with a displacement of 1,300 tons and a sail area of 1,693.63 square meters. The Colombian Navy uses this vessel to train its future officers and has designated it as a floating ambassador for Colombia in foreign ports. The ship's return to Casablanca, seven years after its last visit in September 2019, reaffirms its significance in Colombia's diplomatic presence in Morocco.
As reported by barlamane.com.
