Follow us on Facebook

Walaw

Politics

Fostering Unity and Progress: King Mohammed VI's Call for Enhanced Arab Integration

Friday 17 May 2024 - 08:00

Zoom

In a compelling address delivered at the 33rd Arab Summit in Manama, King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed profound concern over the stagnation within the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) and underscored the imperative of bolstering economic integration and cooperation among Arab nations. The monarch's words, conveyed by government chief Aziz Akhannouch, resonated with a sense of urgency and a vision for a more prosperous and unified Arab world.

Lamenting the underwhelming performance of the Maghreb Union, King Mohammed VI stated, "We can only once again regret that the Arab Maghreb Union does not fulfill its natural role in supporting the common development of Maghreb countries." His statement came amidst recent attempts by Algeria and Tunisia to engage in discussions aimed at reviving the Maghreb Union project while excluding Morocco, a pivotal player in the region.

The monarch underscored the need for the union to play a more proactive role in promoting economic cooperation and facilitating the free movement of people, capital, goods, and services among its member states. He expressed disappointment over the lack of economic complementarity and integration among the member countries of the Arab League, despite possessing "all the assets to achieve this."

Emphasizing the potential for heightened economic collaboration within the Arab world, King Mohammed VI advocated for a "realistic approach" rooted in building a common project while respecting the principles of good neighborliness, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries. He urged Arab nations to refrain from interference in each other's affairs and from fueling tendencies towards division and separatism, instead calling for addressing shared challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

The monarch's address also highlighted the significance of Arab youth, underscoring the importance of providing them with better prospects for qualification and advancement. "It is also necessary to create more job opportunities for these youth in various fields in order to promote their participation in political life and their socio-economic integration," he emphasized.

King Mohammed VI stressed the need to equip Arab youth with modern educational and training tools, along with creating employment opportunities, to empower them to contribute effectively to society and realize their full potential.

The ongoing summit serves as a platform for leaders and representatives from Arab countries to address a wide range of issues pertinent to the Arab world, including political, economic, social, cultural, and security dimensions. Led by Akhannouch, the Moroccan delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, is actively participating in the summit, engaging in discussions and diplomatic meetings with counterparts from other Arab countries.

Through his insightful address, King Mohammed VI has articulated a compelling vision for enhanced Arab integration, cooperation, and progress, underpinned by mutual respect, economic collaboration, and empowerment of the region's youth. His words resonate as a clarion call for unity and collective action, fostering hope for a more prosperous and cohesive Arab world.