Rabat – King Mohammed VI has expressed satisfaction with the African mobilization and commitment to peacekeeping.
Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani read King Mohammed VI’s peacekeeping message to the participants of the high-level meeting on Action for Peacekeeping on Tuesday in New York.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The King started his message by expressing Morocco’s determination to take part in actions that seek to ensure peace in Africa.
He also explained that Morocco serves the reforms of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations.
“It is very satisfying to see such African mobilization for peacekeeping. Not only does peacekeeping concern Africa, but our Continent is also deeply committed to it,” said the King.
Morocco has deployed hundreds of Moroccan peacekeepers in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
“The Kingdom of Morocco is convinced that this initiative, which has brought us together today, will make it possible to reaffirm, at the highest level, the international community’s commitment towards Africa,” said the King.
The King also recalled that Morocco welcomed the Action for Peacekeeping since its launch as it forms a “key component of this reform.”
Speaking about Morocco’s purpose in joining the peacekeeping initiative, the monarch explained that Morocco “fully supports” the initiative. Morocco believes that peacekeeping is “one of the most useful tools at the disposal of the international community.”
The King also emphasized the need to observe three principles of peacekeeping operations.
First, he noted the principle of respecting “sovereignty of states, consent, [and] impartiality.” Second, he said the mandates must be realistic and adequately funded. Finally, he said, “Crisis resolution must remain the ultimate goal of peacekeeping operations.”
The King concluded his message, commending the UN’s reforms and supported peacekeeping operations.
He also called on UN members to offer “appropriate support” to the African Union and African countries.
“This is an investment in the future, for global stability hinges on stability in Africa.”
