Hassan Hami on the Dual Journey of Diplomacy and Literature at SIEL 2025 Hassan Hami on the Dual Journey of Diplomacy and Literature at SIEL 2025

Rabat – At the 2025 International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), held in Rabat, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a panel that delved into the space where statecraft and storytelling converge. 

The panel, held on Friday, April 19, featured Moroccan ambassador, poet, and writer Hassan Hami in a conversation moderated by fellow Moroccan author Karima Yatribi.  

On the intersection of diplomacy and writing, the discussion offered an intimate look at how Hami has spent decades navigating the world as a diplomat and an author. The session drew an audience eager to hear how he manages this balance, and also learn what literature means for someone who has spent a career in the halls of global diplomacy.  

Writing before diplomacy  

When asked how the transition from diplomacy to writing unfolded, Hami offered a surprising reversal: “Writing actually came before diplomacy,” he said. “Since I was very young, I wrote poetry. One of my poems was published when I was just 14.”  

He described a short-lived but meaningful period working in journalism before eventually embarking on a career in diplomacy. Yet, even as he rose through the ranks of Morocco’s foreign service, the written word remained a constant. “Writing and diplomacy have existed side by side in my life for many years,” he added.  

Addressing the stylistic shift from diplomatic communication to literary writing, Hami noted that the adjustment was less dramatic than some might expect. “Honestly, it wasn’t a difficult shift,” he said. “Most of my books still revolve around diplomacy and international affairs.”  

He referenced one of his novels, “La Navette”, as an example, a fictional story centered on a diplomat. “Many of my works are shaped by the diplomatic world. I find the material naturally lends itself to narrative,” he added.  

When asked what inspires him to write, Hami spoke of literature as a personal and reflective practice. “Any writer writes first for themselves, through themselves. Then comes the need to share ideas with others,” he explained.  

Writing, for Hami, is not simply a tool for communication, but an act of introspection. The process, he suggested, is as much about understanding oneself as it is about transmitting ideas to the world.  

A symbiotic relationship  

On the role of intellect and culture in diplomacy, Hami was unequivocal. “Culture is essential,” he said. “It plays a key role in the continuous process of learning.” He underlined the importance of cultural diplomacy, describing it as a way to engage constructively with other nations and societies.  

When asked on the panel whether listening is more important than speaking for a diplomat, Hami struck a balance. “Both are necessary,” he said, “but listening is absolutely crucial. One of the most important qualities a diplomat can have is self-confidence. And beyond that, knowing languages and being willing to learn them is vital.”  

On the growing role of AI and digital tools in writing and diplomacy, Hami offered a measured response. “AI won’t solve your problems,” he said. “It’s there to support us, to accompany our efforts, but it should never replace human insight or creativity.”  

Cultural encounter  

Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of the panel, Hami expanded on his experience living and working abroad. “When you live in a foreign country, you are constantly in touch with its culture and civilization,” he said. “That culture influences you, and you also have an impact on it.”  

Representing Morocco, he added, gives a distinct advantage: “Morocco is known for its diversity and multicultural heritage. This gives us a certain flexibility and richness when engaging with other cultures.”  

Cultural exchange, for Hami, is not a one-way street. “It’s a process of giving and receiving. It’s very enriching,” he said. “But it also teaches you humility,” he added. “The deeper you go into another culture, the more you realize how much you still don’t know.”  

Reflecting on the topic of his panel, Hami noted: “There is a kind of chemistry between diplomacy and writing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but you have to keep contributing.”  

As for his presence at SIEL, Hami remained modest. “I’m just here to speak about this relationship between being a diplomat and a writer,” he said. “I’ll present a few of my books and try to interact with readers. If a lot of people come, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too.”  

In a world where diplomacy is often seen as distant and inaccessible, Hassan Hami’s words brought the practice down to earth. 

A diplomat with a poet’s soul  

Despite the weighty topics discussed, the conversation had moments of levity. When asked  on the panel what career he might have pursued if not diplomacy, Hami replied without hesitation: “Gardener.” The remark drew laughter and affectionate applause from the crowd.  

In closing, Hami offered advice to Morocco’s young readers and writers: “Believe in yourself. Self-confidence is the foundation of any meaningful journey.”  

He then read a passage from one of his novels, bringing the audience into his world of fiction, memory, and diplomacy. The reading was met with a warm ovation, a gesture of appreciation for a man who has turned a diplomatic life into literary reflection.