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Morocco has renewed its appeal for an immediate de-escalation in Gaza amid Israeli aggression, targeting tens of thousands of civilians.
Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita made his remarks during the opening speech as part of the 6th session of the Arab-Russian Dialogue Forum on Wednesday in Marrakech.
Speaking to the participants, Bourita expanded his remarks to emphasize Morocco’s position against the armed violence in Gaza, lamenting that Israel’s relentless and indiscriminate bombardments have caused untold devastation in Gaza and killed thousands of Palestinians..
In this regard, Boruita reiterated King Mohammed VI’s call for collective action to de-escalate the situation and achieve a permanent and monitorable ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians.
He said that this also aims to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and establish a political horizon for the Palestinian issue based on the internationally agreed upon two-state solution.
Morocco has repeatedly reiterated its concern about the situation and expressed its dismay at the lack of action to address it.
The North African country also condemned the guilty and disturbing silence of influential countries amid the killing of innocent civilians across the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, where at least 20,000 civilians have been killed by Israeli occupation forces.
Inter Libyan dialogue is key
In addition to Gaza, Bourita also discussed other regional challenges, including the Libyan crisis.
In his speech, the top Moroccan diplomat expressed hope for the completion of the political process in the country through Inter-Libyan efforts free from external influences and intervention.
According to Boruita, this would mark the beginning of a new phase in Libya, characterized by stability, legitimacy, and responding to the aspirations of the Libyan people.
He also expressed hope for stability across the Arab world, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful initiatives.
Libya is facing a political impasse due to a myriad of crises marked by division and a lack of consensus to end the decades-long crisis in the aftermath of the Gaddafi era.
Many regional actors, including Morocco, believe that the key to resolving the crisis lies in holding elections that are agreed upon and are transparent.
Morocco has also advocated for dialogue, with the country convening Libyan factions in several meetings to discuss a mutually and lasting political solution to end the Libya crisis.
Russia-Morocco ties
In addition to Libya and Gaza, Bourita stressed the importance of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum, describing it as an extension of the historic relationship between Morocco and Russia.
He said that Morocco’s ties with Russia are rooted in dialogue, cooperation, mutual appreciation and respect.
Morocco is Russia’s third largest trading partner in Africa, Bourita said, noting the importance of taking this partnership to a higher level.
Delving into the importance of the forum, Bourita said that Morocco aims to strengthen Arab Russian cooperation through genuine and effective dialogue.
“We aspire to raise this forum to the level of a genuine and effective Arab-Russian strategic dialogue, creating a real space for coordination, constructive and fruitful partnership that serves the balanced interests of both parties and contributes to the security and stability of our Arab region,” he explained.
He then went on to emphasize the importance of this partnership, arguing that this should balance political and economic interests with the realities, capabilities and aspirations of the partners.
The chief of Moroccan diplomacy also called for the establishment of an “economic and cultural forum,” similar to the Russian African Corporation Forum, to go beyond traditional diplomatic dialogue.
He also suggested periodic reviews of the forum’s meetings to allow for proper preparation for the implementation of joint action plans.
