King Mohammed VI has affirmed that the plots hatched by the enemies of the country’s territorial integrity only enhance Moroccans’ faith and their resolve to continue defending their homeland and its interests.
In his speech addressed Friday to the Nation on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the Monarch said Morocco will continue on the path “we have chosen for ourselves, despite the enemies’ exasperation and the envy of those who hate us”.
He cited in this regard the carefully planned attacks launched recently against Morocco by some countries and organizations known for their hostility towards our country.
“Morocco is a target because it is a country steeped in history – it has existed for more than twelve centuries, not to mention the nation’s longstanding Amazigh history – and it is governed by a citizen-based monarchy which has existed for more than four centuries, and which is rooted in a solid bond between the throne and the people”, said the Monarch.
He also affirmed that the North African Kingdom is targeted because of the security and stability it enjoys, noting that these are invaluable assets, especially in light of the upheavals characterizing today’s world.
Despite these orchestrated hostile smear campaigns, Morocco enjoys a sterling reputation and indisputable prestige, added the Sovereign, stressing that the country has a solid network of relationships and connections and is a trustworthy, credible nation at the regional and international levels.
Morocco, like some other countries of the Arab Maghreb Union, is targeted by deliberate, hostile attacks, said the King, denouncing the tactics of the country’s enemies who do not want Morocco to remain free, strong and influential.
Few countries, especially European ones, which are Morocco’s traditional partners, fear for their economic interests, markets and spheres of influence in the Maghreb region, said the King in his speech.
Furthermore, some of these of European leaders continue to feed on the past and cannot stay abreast of new developments, explained the Monarch, saying that “they want us to become like them”, invoking unfounded accusations and refusing to recognize that the rules of the game have changed and that Maghreb countries are able to manage their own affairs and use their energies and resources for the benefit of their peoples.
All possible means have been used and tremendous resources have been leveraged to embroil Morocco in problems and disputes with some countries, said the King, making reference to diplomatic spat with Spain and Germany over the Sahara.
Some European think-tanks have even crossed the red lines. Instead of calling for Morocco’s efforts for balanced development in the region to be supported, they made recommendations to impede the Kingdom’s progress, arguing that its development creates an imbalance among Maghreb countries, deplored the Monarch.
Furthermore, they concocted a full-fledged campaign to distort the image of the country’s security institutions and undermine their usefulness and effectiveness in preserving Morocco’s security and stability, said the King.
He also belied the claims that Morocco is being attacked because it has changed its political and strategic direction, or because of the way it is handling some diplomatic issues.
“Morocco has, indeed, changed, but not in the way they want it to. Morocco does not accept that its best interests be trampled on. At the same time, my country is keen to have strong, constructive and balanced relations, especially with our neighbours”, said King Mohammed VI.
The same logic is governing Morocco’s policy today regarding the relationship with neighbouring, Spain, underlined the Monarch King, recalling the crisis with Spain which shook mutual trust and raised many questions about the future of relations between the two countries.
However, “we have worked with the Spanish side in a composed, clear and responsible way”, said the King, stressing the need for a common understanding of the two nations’ interests building on the traditional immutable values shared by the two neighbours.
“Our goal was not merely to overcome this crisis, but to turn the situation into an opportunity to reconsider the foundations and determinants of these relations”, said the King, affirming that he sincerely looks forward to continuing to work with the Spanish government and with PM Pedro Sanchez, to usher in a new, unprecedented phase in the relations between the two countries, on the basis of trust, transparency, mutual respect and the fulfilment of obligations.
The same commitment is at the center of partnership and solidarity between Morocco and France, and “I personally entertain solid relations based on friendship and mutual esteem with the French President, Emmanuel Macron”, said the King.