King Mohammed VI: Pan-African Vision is Key to Development

Rabat – King Mohammed VI expressed his commitment to ensuring balanced and equitable development in all regions of Morocco, and to establishing solid relationships with Morocco’s brother states in the Maghreb.

Speaking on the evening of the 44th anniversary of the Green March on November 6, 2019, King Mohammed emphasized Morocco’s pivotal role in regional development.

King Mohammed VI flanked by his son, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid.

“The current situation in the region and in the Mediterranean basin makes demands on us all,” he began. “It requires positive action, given the opportunities and the challenges involved.”

The King went on to describe the unique challenges, hopes, and expectations of Morocco’s citizens, neighbors, and allies.

First, King Mohammed explained that the youth of the Maghreb need an open space for interaction and exchange, while the business sector requires favorable conditions for development.

The King asserted that Morocco needs to be an effective partner to its allies in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

“Finally,” he continued, “our Arab brothers look forward to seeing the Great Maghreb contribute to forging a new Arab order.”

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The Moroccan monarch described these hopes and expectations as enormous, and the challenges as numerous and complex. However, the common enemy, according to King Mohammed, is immobility and a low level of development.

He continued his discussion of foreign policy with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

“The Moroccan Sahara is our country’s gateway to sub-Saharan Africa,” the Sovereign declared, adding that relations with African nations have always been at the heart of Morocco’s foreign policy.

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“I have paid visits to numerous African countries, and close to 1,000 agreements have been signed, covering all areas of cooperation.”

King Mohammed praised the economic, political, and cultural fruits borne of Morocco’s relations with sub-Saharan Africa.

“I firmly intend to make Morocco a key player in shaping the Africa of the future,” he stated before expressing his aim to launch a new stage of African coordination based on mutually beneficial interests.

A successful new age of cooperation between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, the Sovereign continued, requires Morocco to honor its commitments and to consolidate its presence in Africa.

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King Mohammed concluded his Green March speech by underscoring Morocco’s need to preserve national unity and territorial integrity, to promote global development across the country, and to strengthen relations between Morocco and other African countries.

“We would thus reiterate our commitment to the Oath of the Green March, honor the memory of its architect, my revered father, His Majesty King Hassan II—may he rest in peace—and pay tribute to all the worthy Moroccans who made sacrifices so that Morocco may enjoy freedom and progress, in an environment where unity, security, and stability prevail.”