King Mohammed VI has expressed pride in the growing international support for the Morocco-proposed Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.
“I am proud of the growing international support for the Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara,” the King said in a speech he delivered to the Nation on Throne Day, celebrating this year the 26th anniversary of his accession to the Throne.
In this regard, the Monarch expressed His thanks and appreciation to the United Kingdom and to Portugal for their constructive position in support of the Autonomy Initiative within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. “This stance strengthens the position of many countries across the world,” he underlined.
“As proud as I am of these stances, which uphold right and legitimacy, I keenly look forward, as well, to finding a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties,” the Monarch stressed, reaching out again to neighboring Algeria.
The Monarch said in addition to the commitment to consolidate Morocco’s status as an emerging country, “I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment, especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria.”
“My position, as the King of Morocco, is as clear as it is consistent: the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people,” added the Monarch, citing in this regard the bonds of language, religion, geography, and a common destiny uniting the two countries.
“Therefore, I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria and said Morocco was ready for frank, responsible, fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending between the two countries”, said the King, noting that his firm commitment to reaching out to brothers in Algeria “stems from a belief in the unity of our peoples and in our ability to overcome, together, this unfortunate situation.”
The King also reaffirm commitment to the Maghreb Union, which “cannot exist without the involvement of Morocco and Algeria, alongside the remaining sister countries concerned.”