King Mohammed VI has praised the stands of countries which voiced firm support to Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire Sahara and backed the autonomy plan offered by the Kingdom for a lasting resolution of the artificial Sahara regional conflict.
In a speech made Saturday on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the Monarch said the Morocco is waiting for a clear position from other countries, including Morocco’s partners, on the Sahara.
“A number of influential states have expressed support for the Autonomy Initiative within Morocco’s full sovereignty over its territory as the only solution to this artificial regional dispute”, said the King, paying tribute in this regard to the USA for recognizing the Moroccanness of Sahara.
“The firm position of the United States of America has been a source of real motivation – a position that is not affected by a change of Administration, nor is it influenced by new circumstances”, underlined the Monarch.
He also commended the clear, responsible stance of neighboring Spain, well aware the origins and the reality of the dispute, added the King, noting that this positive stance has paved the way for a new chapter in the Moroccan-Spanish partnership – a chapter that is not affected by regional circumstances or by domestic political developments.
King Mohammed VI also hailed the support to the Autonomy Initiative voiced by a number of European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Hungary, Cyprus and Romania, saying such a supportive stand will ushering in a new era of trust-based relations, and will help strengthen the qualitative partnership with these friendly countries.
Furthermore, nearly thirty countries have opened consulates in Moroccan Saharan provinces, confirming their clear support for the Kingdom’s territorial integrity and the Moroccanness of the Sahara, added the Monarch.
He availed this opportunity to thank the Kings, Emirs and Presidents of Arab sister nations, particularly those of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Djibouti and the Comoro Islands, which have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla.
King Mohammed VI thanked Arab countries which have consistently confirmed their support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council States, Egypt and Yemen.
The King also hailed the position adopted across Africa, saying approximately 40% of African countries from five regional groups have opened consulates in Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla.
A number of countries from Latin America and the Caribbean also installed consulates in the Moroccan Sahara, added the Monarch in his speech looking back with pride at Morocco’s diplomatic achievements.
He called on countries, including Morocco’s traditional partners with ambiguous stand on the Moroccanness of the Sahara to clarify their positions and reconsider them in a manner that leaves no room for doubt.
The Monarch on the other hand tackled the situation of the Moroccan community abroad, saying the country needs all the skills and expertise of its expatriates known for their proficiency in various scientific, economic, political, cultural, sport and other sectors.
“The time has come to make sure the Moroccan community abroad gets the accompaniment it needs, to create the right conditions and to provide the means for our fellow citizens abroad to give their best and thus contribute to their country’s development”, said the King.
He called for setting up a lasting structural connexion with Moroccan experts and talents abroad, including Moroccan Jews. “I also call for the creation of a special mechanism to be tasked with accompanying these Moroccan experts and talents abroad and supporting their initiatives and projects”, underlined the Monarch.
He also called once again on Moroccan youths and on project holders residing abroad to make the most of the numerous investment opportunities in Morocco, as well as the incentives and guarantees offered by the new investment charter.