King Mohammed VI Commends Diplomatic Progress on Sahara

Saturday 12 October 2024 - 08:33

In a speech marking the opening of Morocco’s legislative year, His Majesty King Mohammed VI celebrated the recent diplomatic breakthroughs concerning the Sahara dispute. He reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity, praising the country’s proactive stance in addressing this long-standing issue.

The monarch expressed deep gratitude to France for its unambiguous support of Morocco's sovereignty over the entire Sahara territory, extending his thanks to French President Emmanuel Macron and the French people. He emphasized the significance of this backing from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, underscoring its international weight.

His Majesty also spotlighted the success of Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, which has gained substantial international traction. Positioned as the sole viable framework for resolving the regional conflict, the plan has received resounding support from key global players, including the United States, Spain, and several European Union member states.

Acknowledging the backing from Arab and African nations, the King noted that many of these countries have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, actions that further solidify Morocco’s standing on the global stage.

The monarch then turned to the economic potential of Morocco’s southern provinces, portraying them as vital gateways that connect Morocco with the rest of Africa. Strategic projects, such as the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline and initiatives to provide Sahel nations access to the Atlantic Ocean, were highlighted as examples of the region’s growing importance.

Despite these diplomatic victories, His Majesty issued a call for ongoing vigilance. He stressed the need to reinforce Morocco’s position and counter any opposition attempts. The King urged national institutions, government bodies, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively to achieve these objectives.

The speech also underscored the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy in garnering further international support for Morocco’s stance on the Sahara. His Majesty called for stronger coordination between both houses of Parliament and advocated for the creation of specialized structures to address this issue more effectively.

In closing, His Majesty King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s firm position on the Sahara dispute while expressing openness to regional cooperation for shared development and stability. He commended the dedication of Moroccan diplomats, institutions, and citizens in defending the nation’s interests and praised the enduring loyalty of the Sahrawi people.

This address highlights Morocco’s ongoing diplomatic offensive to advance its stance on the Sahara issue, while positioning itself for future challenges in resolving this complex regional dispute.