Rabat – Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has paid tribute to the country’s Royal Armed Forces, recognizing their contribution to peace and security in the country.
“We are satisfied with your noble deeds and immense sacrifices, to raise the colors of the Homeland and to defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” King Mohammed VI said in a speech on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
Addressing the FAR in his speech, King Mohammed VI pointed out the significant contribution of troops deployed in Morocco’s Southern and Eastern provinces in guarding peace and preserving the country’s territorial integrity.
“Our deep conviction in the importance of the noble missions that you accomplish on the security and military levels, and the experiences and achievements that you have accumulated in the field of risk and crisis management make us aware of the correctness of the approach that we have adopted for the development of Our Royal Armed Forces in terms of structure and organization,” the monarch said.
King Mohammed VI especially highlighted the efficiency of the FAR’s human capital, noting that its continuous evolution reflects “the quality of the military training,” and the special attention the monarchy attaches to developing and improving the military institution.
In line with the monarchy’s efforts to integrate the country’s youth into the military institution, FAR welcomed 20,000 new conscripts this year as part of the mandatory military service.
The latest “Global Firepower” report ranked Morocco’s military capabilities 55th out of 140 countries worldwide, down from 53rd place a year before.
Of Morocco’s plans to develop the FAR’s capabilities, the King said that he will continue to prioritize plans to equip and upgrade the country’s military arsenal.
The monarchy is especially interested in establishing a national military industry and stimulating scientific research through a series of partnerships and agreements with universities, he explained.
In a further show of appreciation for the FAR’s services and sacrifices, King Mohammed VI issued orders to grant the families of “martyrs and wards of the Nation” free housing units in various cities in Morocco.
“We have given Our orders to allow this category to benefit from housing in the cities of the Kingdom, free of charge and at no additional cost, in order to guarantee them and their families a decent standard of living,” the order reads.
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