Rabat, Morocco  - Jews of Moroccan origin from all over the world have gathered in Safi, 400 kilometres south of the capital Rabat, for the annual hiloula pilgrimage to the shrine of the Ben Zmirou saints, media reported Monday.

Delegations representing the local authorities and Morocco's Jewish community attended the celebrations that were launched over the weekend.

Jewish representatives stressed their strong ties to Morocco and prayed for the royal family.

Islamic Morocco has a Jewish community of about 3,000 people. (dpa)