King Mohammed VI is set to preside on Wednesday over a religious ceremony in Rabat, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the passing of King Hassan II.
The religious ceremony will be broadcast live on radio and television at 6 p.m. this evening.
The commemoration comes days before the celebration of the 48th anniversary of the historic Green March, which was orchestrated by the late King Hassan II.
King Hassan II ascended to the throne in 1961. Throughout his reign, he paved the way for Morocco to become a modern state.
It was also during his reign that Morocco achieved national unity, notably reclaiming the provinces of Sidi Ifni on June 30, 1969, and Oued Eddahab on August 14, 1979.
His efforts to reunify Morocco culminated in the peaceful Green March on November 6, 1975, when thousands of Moroccans rallied to reclaim the southern provinces from Spanish colonial rule.
In addition to his work to preserve Morocco’s territorial integrity, King Hassan II played a pivotal role in boosting the country’s national economy. Recognizing the significance of a strong and resilient national economy, the late King initiated the “dam policy” in 1966, which became a cornerstone of his reign.
The policy proved invaluable during recurring periods of drought and water scarcity experienced not only by Morocco but also by neighboring countries in the region.
The program, combined with an ambitious agricultural policy, served as a cornerstone for Morocco’s agriculture and became a catalyst for the country’s food security.
On the international stage, King Hassan II was known for his charisma, foresight, and open-mindedness.
Read also: Five Facts You Didn’t Know About Late King Hassan II
Under his leadership, Morocco secured a prominent role in the global community, participating in various international forums, and playing a pivotal role in regional and international issues.
Under his reign, Morocco became a part of mediating efforts in the Israeli-Arab conflict, UN peacekeeping missions, and the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), a precursor to the African Union, and the Arab Maghreb Union, among others.
The global recognition of King Hassan II’s contributions led to the awarding of the Pan-African Prize by Ethiopia on November 1, 2022. The prize pays tribute to his dedication and contributions to pan-Africanism, particularly through his efforts in establishing the OAU.
King Hassan II was equally known for his unique foreign policy. He adopted a balanced approach that emphasized openness to the Western world and modernity while preserving Morocco’s Islamic, Arab, African, and Mediterranean identity.
