Rabat – King Mohammed VI stressed today the need for continued vigilance and coordinated diplomatic efforts to consolidate the significant progress Morocco has made in asserting its sovereignty over the Western Sahara region.
King Mohammed VI made the comment as he delivered a speech during the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the 11th Moroccan Legislature, addressing several key topics related to Western Sahara.
His speech celebrated the international momentum Morocco has achieved regarding the Sahara, including France’s recent recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the region, while also calling for continued efforts to solidify these gains. The King emphasized the importance of national unity, economic development, and robust diplomacy in maintaining Morocco’s position on the Sahara issue.
“Despite all that has been achieved, the next stage requires further mobilization and vigilance on the part of everyone. The goal is to keep consolidating our country’s position, to publicize our just cause, and to thwart our enemies’ maneuvers,” the monarch said.
The King’s remarks come in the wake of the recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling, which questioned the legality of the trade agreement between Morocco and the EU that includes products from Western Sahara.
He stressed the need for Morocco to strengthen its diplomatic efforts by providing clear evidence on the Sahara’s Moroccan identity. The king urged all national institutions, political parties, and civil society to collaborate in raising awareness of the issue and ensure that Morocco’s case is communicated effectively on the global stage.
The monarch notably underlined the importance of “parliamentary diplomacy,” calling on Moroccan parliamentarians to play a more active role in garnering international recognition for the Moroccan Sahara and increasing support for the autonomy plan, which the King described as the only viable solution to the conflict.
‘Greater’ parliamentary coordination
In a clear message to the Moroccan legislative body, the King stressed the need for “greater coordination” between the two parliamentary chambers. He called for the establishment of internal structures equipped with qualified personnel to ensure that delegations representing Morocco in bilateral meetings and international forums are highly competent and specialized in the subject.
In his address, the monarch expressed gratitude to the countries and partners that have expressed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, particularly those engaging economically with the southern provinces.
The King addressed the significant progress Morocco has made in terms of the socio-economic development of the southern provinces. He commended the investment and development efforts in the region, which he said contributed to the growth and reinforced the Sahara’s position as a vital link between Morocco and the rest of Africa.
He mentioned initiatives such as the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline project and the African Atlantic countries initiative.
King Mohammed VI attributed these advancements to the solidarity and collective efforts of all Moroccans, both at home and abroad, in defending the nation’s territorial integrity. He acknowledged the crucial role played by Morocco’s diplomatic corps, as well as the contributions of civil institutions and patriotic citizens, in countering the narratives of those opposing Morocco’s stance on the Sahara.
The monarch also expressed his deep appreciation for the people of the Sahara, praising their “unwavering loyalty” to the country and their dedication to defending its territorial integrity. He acknowledged their sacrifices and efforts to maintain stability in the region, and their commitment to Morocco’s unity. This, he noted, has been crucial in maintaining the progress seen in the southern provinces and the broader efforts to resolve the Sahara issue.
Concluding his speech, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to its firm position on the Sahara, while also reiterating the country’s openness to dialogue and cooperation within the broader Maghreb and regional context. The King emphasized Morocco’s ongoing contributions to the collective development, security, and stability of the region.
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