HM King Mohammed VI gave, on Friday, an important speech at the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the eighth term.
Here follows the full text of the address delivered before the members of the parliament's two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Advisors:
Praise be to God May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Members of Parliament,
This year's opening of Parliament is marked by a strong resolve to give fresh momentum to the dynamic reform process, and thus continue to build a distinct Moroccan development model in order to fulfil the aspirations of our country's loyal citizens.
Our foremost objective is to promote progress, preserve the nation’s unity and ensure a dignified life for the citizens through development projects. In this respect, I make no distinction between major and minor projects; they all serve the nation and the citizens, especially our youth, impoverished regions and needy segments of the population.
Our approach, in this regard, is based on being close to the citizens and ensuring they are mobilized and play an active part in the nation’s development. This approach also involves the launching of various initiatives and making sure elected councils, of which Parliament is the most important institution, maintain high standards of performance.
Given this key position held by Parliament, one might ask: To what extent is Parliament discharging its assigned mission as an engine for the promotion of democracy and development?
It is only fair to recognize the positive results achieved by the legislative body thanks to your efforts.
Nevertheless, my ambition and, indeed, that of the Moroccan people is for both the House of Representatives and the House of Counsellors to be at the very heart of this reform process, both at institutional and individual levels.
As regards Parliament, in my first address to this institution, I stressed that to improve its performance, it was necessary to view Parliament as having two Houses rather than perceive it as a legislative institution made up of two separate parliaments.
Political parties and parliamentary groups have, therefore, to be committed to good parliamentary governance, embrace a new political philosophy and promote efficient parliamentary action through regular attendance, good work and effective contributions to address the real concerns of the citizens.
To this end, I should like to stress, once again, the need to enhance parliamentary performance, to make sure there is harmony between the rules and regulations of both Houses, and to ensure the latter complement one another in discharging their mission as a single institution.
Their shared objective should be to ensure efficient lawmaking, proper control and constructive debate on the nation’s key issues, particularly with respect to territorial governance as well as the promotion and preservation of democratic mechanisms for the achievement of development.
As members of parliament, you have to remember that embracing the reform process requires you to keep in mind that you represent - above all - the will of the people. This means that being a member of parliament is not so much a personal privilege as a sacred mission; one requiring you to strive as best you can to find realistic solutions to the pressing issues facing your fellow citizens.
They are, in order of priority, beneficial education, decent housing, medical coverage, a healthy environment and measures to boost investment that creates jobs, within the framework of sustainable human development.
This is why there must be fruitful cooperation between the legislative branch and the executive branch of government, and between a closely-knit majority and a constructive opposition, in a spirit of mutual respect and shared commitment to the provisions of the Constitution, to democratic values, to the sanctity of institutions and to serving nation’s best interests.
Distinguished Members of Parliament,
As I am determined to build the authority of the state on the solid foundation of respect for the rule of law and the pre-eminence of the judiciary, I wish to stress that the new concept of authority I introduced in the address I made on the subject in Casablanca, in October 1999, is still valid.
It is neither a spur-of-the-moment decision to address a temporary situation, nor a mere slogan. This new concept of authority is part of a system of governance. As such, it needs to be implemented at all times, and both its letter and spirit should be upheld.
The new concept of authority is not an isolated notion that applies only to local governments and authorities. This is a comprehensive, binding concept that has to be observed by all state representatives, across the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Hence, as the First Servant of the nation, I shall continue to make sure this concept is enforced by all those who wield authority in the country, using, to this end, the mechanisms afforded by the law to ensure accountability, initiate legal action and apply sanctions, within the framework of an impartial judicial system.
As much as it is separate from the executive and the legislative branches, the judiciary is an integral part of the authority of the state. This branch is entrusted with ensuring the primacy of the Kingdom’s Constitution and of the rule of law, and also with making sure that the rights of the citizens are upheld, and that they fulfil their obligations.
I must emphasize, in this respect, that the proper implementation of the thorough reform of the legal system does not stop at the government and parliament. It hinges, primarily, on the judges carrying out their mission in a responsible manner.
Similar to the initiative I took regarding the new concept of authority, which is meant to ensure the good governance of public services, I have decided to launch a new concept for the reform of the legal system, under the motto “The Judiciary: Serving the Citizen”.
Through the application of the above motto, we look forward to the advent of a legal system that is close to litigants, that applies simple, rapidly enforceable procedures, that is impartial, that uses modern facilities and that relies on competent, unbiased judges. We want the judiciary to boost development, uphold justice, promote the rule of law and oppose injustice.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Members of Parliament,
As the world continues to feel the impact of a global economic and financial crisis, we are pressing ahead, in Morocco, with far-reaching reforms in which I expect you to be strongly involved through the enactment of efficient legislation and the exercise of proper parliamentary oversight.
The debate on the appropriation bill remains a defining moment in the consolidation of parliamentary action. This is not just about voting on a budget or figures; what is at stake is the concrete materialization of the nation’s major policy options and development programs.
You have, therefore, to display a keen sense of responsibility and cooperate in constructive ways with the government to find bold solutions to the complex issue of preserving budget balance and maintaining the development momentum, despite the existing constraints and the limited resources available.
At the strategic level, the defence of the Moroccan Sahara - which remains our sacred cause - requires you to act effectively and unremittingly at local, regional and international levels and forums to foil the desperate schemes of the enemies of our country’s territorial integrity.
You also have to muster the full mobilization of the citizens and take measures to enlist further support for our bold autonomy proposal, building, to this end, on party and parliamentary diplomacy, which supports and supplements government diplomacy.
To increase parliament’s contributions to development, I expect you to avail yourselves as much as possible of the advisory opinion of the Economic and Social Council, which will be set up once its full membership has been decided.
I also invite you to give priority to the preparation and adoption of a framework act for the environment and sustainable development, which will be instrumental in guaranteeing our country’s progress, now and into the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Members of Parliament,
You have to keep in mind that your individual performance, and that of the party you represent, will be assessed at the end of your term of office, in light of the tangible progress made in the area of development.
This should help you to reassert the loftiness of political and parliamentary action and to ensure the rehabilitation of political parties, so that they may carry out their constitutional role, provide guidance to and properly represent the citizens, train qualified elites to run public affairs, and promote responsible citizenship by instilling the principles of fervent defence of - and commitment to - the sacred, immutable values of the nation, its foremost causes and best interests.
"If Allah finds any good in your hearts, He will give you something better". True is the Word of God.
Wasslamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
HM the King chairs opening of the 1st session of the fourth legislative year of the eighth term
Rabat - HM King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid and Prince Moulay Ismail chaired, on Friday in Rabat, the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the eighth term.
Upon his arrival to the parliament headquaters, the Monarch was greeted by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House of Counsellors, Wali of Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer and by the Secretaries General of both Houses.
After reading verses from the Holy Quran, HM the King delivered an important speech in which he reiterated strong resolve to give fresh momentum to the dynamic reform process aiming to continue to build a distinct Moroccan development model in order to fulfil the aspirations of his loyal citizens.
"Our foremost objective is to promote progress, preserve the nation's unity and ensure a dignified life for the citizens through development projects," the Monarch said.
"In this respect, I make no distinction between major and minor projects; they all serve the nation and the citizens, especially our youth, impoverished regions and needy segments of the population,” the Sovereign made it clear.
HM the King underlined that “our approach, in this regard, is based on being close to the citizens and ensuring they are mobilized and play an active part in the nation’s development. This approach also involves the launching of various initiatives and making sure elected councils, of which Parliament is the most important institution, maintain high standards of performance.”
The Sovereign also announced his decision to launch a new concept for the reform of the legal system, under the motto "The Judiciary: Serving the Citizen".
"Similar to the initiative I took regarding the new concept of authority, which is meant to ensure the good governance of public services, I have decided to launch a new concept for the reform of the legal system, under the motto 'The Judiciary: Serving the Citizen'", HM the king said.
The Monarch underlined that "through the application of the above motto, we look forward to the advent of a legal system that is close to litigants, that applies simple, rapidly enforceable procedures, that is impartial, that uses modern facilities and that relies on competent, unbiased judges. We want the judiciary to boost development, uphold justice, promote the rule of law and oppose injustice.”
In this regard, HM the King insisted that “as much as it is separate from the executive and the legislative branches, the judiciary is an integral part of the authority of the state.”
He added that “this branch is entrusted with ensuring the primacy of the Kingdom’s Constitution and of the rule of law, and also with making sure that the rights of the citizens are upheld, and that they fulfil their obligations.”
On the Sahara issue, HM the king affirmed that the defence of the Moroccan Sahara remains the Kingdom's sacred cause and requires a full mobilization to foil the desperate schemes of the enemies of Morocco's territorial integrity.
"At the strategic level, the defence of the Moroccan Sahara - which remains our sacred cause - requires you to act effectively and unremittingly at local, regional and international levels and forums to foil the desperate schemes of the enemies of our country's territorial integrity," the Monarch underlined.
HM the King called on the members of Parliament to "muster the full mobilization of the citizens and take measures to enlist further support for our bold autonomy proposal, building, to this end, on party and parliamentary diplomacy, which supports and supplements government diplomacy."
Later on, the Sovereign received Minister in Charge with Relations with the parliament, Driss Lachgar, who presented to HM the King the results of the governement action within the parliament over the legislative year 2009-2010.
HM the King chairs a working session on implementation of solar electric energy project
Rabat - HM King Mohammed VI presided, on Saturday at the Royal Cabinet in Rabat, over a working session on the implementation of the integrated solar electric energy project, with a total capacity of 2000 MW.
This project is part of the strategy initiated by HM the King, which mainly includes diversifying Morocco's supply sources of energy products, preserving the environment, exploiting natural resources and promoting the sustainability of economic and social development.
Launched by HM the King on November 2, 2009 in Ouarzazate, Morocco solar plan led to the creation of the "Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy" (MASEN).
The agency, whose creation was approved by the Parliament, was funded with 500 million dirhams by the state, the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development, Morocco's electricity facility (ONE) and the Energy Investment Company.
MASEN is in charge of setting up five solar power plants, which will be located in Ouarzazate, Ain Beni Mathar, Sabkha Tah, Foum El Oued and Boujdour, to be built at a total cost of 70 billion dirhams.
The Ouarzazate solar plant, whose construction works will start at the end of 2011, will have a final capacity of 500 MW.
Following this session, HM the King gave his instructions to the parties concerned to adhere strictly to the timetable for the implementation of Morocco solar plan and spare no effort to ensure that the project is successfully implemented.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Abbas Fassi, HM the King’s advisor Zoulikha Nasri, Energy, Mining, Water and Environment Minister Amina Benkhadra, Economy Minister Salaheddine Mezouar, CEO of the “Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy” Mustapha Bakkoury, and ONE’s managing director Ali Fassi Fihri.
HM the King stresses need to revamp with resolve Arab-African partnership
Sirte - HM King Mohammed VI stressed the need to act "with resolve and clear-sightedness, to revamping the Arab-African partnership, after more than three decades of hesitation and inaction."
In a message addressed to the second Arab-African Summit, opened on Sunday in Sirte, the Sovereign said that "we should work together to make this meeting a genuine starting point for the removal of the obstacles that have impeded our cooperation in the past," recommending "a sound, realistic, and rational action, in accordance with a vision that fosters solidarity and complementarity."
He added that "objective lessons must be drawn from the past and concerted efforts should be made to build a model partnership, while respecting the sovereignty of our nations, their legitimate, immutable values, the requirements of good neighbourliness and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, thus sparing our countries unrealistic ambitions and unnecessary problems."
“I keenly look forward, HM the King went on, to making the development of this institutional partnership one of our foremost priorities,” voicing hope to see it “effectively muster the human and natural resources of our countries.”
The Monarch noted that it is “the proper way to use all the resources available to us (…) in order to improve the living conditions of African peoples, achieve sustainable development, address the issues of poverty, marginalization and social exclusion plaguing African societies and eradicate illiteracy and deadly diseases.”
“Having enshrined its commitment to the Arab and African family in its Constitution, and considering this sense of belonging as a strategic policy, the Kingdom of Morocco will do its utmost to remain at the forefront of the states defending the pressing issues facing our peoples,” HM the King underlined, adding that Morocco will “pursue its untiring action to support vital African interests at multilateral level - within UN institutions, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the G77 and China, the Non-Aligned Movement - and in forums for dialogue involving Africa and several influential countries, especially when it comes to promoting national development plans and ensuring active participation in maintaining regional peace and stability in Africa.”
HM the King said that “the pertinence and credibility of our partnership hinge on developing and implementing a collective, innovative, solidarity-based policy with the aim to speed up the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa by enhancing good governance, active solidarity and fruitful cooperation, and by promoting tangible development projects and programs from which the most impoverished groups and regions can benefit directly.”
That is the right approach, the Monarch explained, “to achieving more active cooperation, especially in light of the challenges our continent is facing as a result of climate change as well as food, economic and financial crises, the aggravation of the external debt burden and a decrease in foreign direct investment flows.”
HM the King reaffimed Morocco’s eagerness “to press ahead with our partnership and give it concrete substance, in a similar way to what we have achieved with several sister African nations within the framework of South-South cooperation, especially in the areas of human development, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, graduate training, cooperation in the agriculture, health, water and energy sectors, as well as in the implementation of concrete projects to improve living conditions in both urban and rural areas, and the expansion of economic, trade and investment relations.”
In this regard, the Sovereign went on to say, “Morocco is keen to see more projects and programs that fall within the scope of trilateral cooperation involving my country, African nations and donor countries and institutions.
HM the King stressed the importance of upgrading and revamping “our partnership mechanisms so that they respond more effectively to the real concerns of our peoples,” and encouraging the private sector, elected councils and bodies, intellectuals and civil society.
HM the king hails Africa's continuing support to legitimate Palestinian cause
Sirte - HM king Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, hailed Africa's continuing support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
"As Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, I should like to say how much we appreciate Africa’s continuing support for the legitimate struggle waged by the Palestinian people to establish their independent, viable state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative," said HM the king is a speech to the 2nd Arab-African Summit, which opened Sunday in Sirte, Libya.
At this critical juncture in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Monarch commended the "role played by the African Group, particularly within the United Nations Commission concerned with the defense of the immutable, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, whose last meeting the Kingdom of Morocco had the honour of hosting".
The Sovereign highlighted the “key role” that the African-Arab partnership can play in “the emergence of a global governance that upholds solidarity and justice.”
“Through our partnership, we can also launch a constructive political dialogue on issues that are of critical importance to us, particularly the question of Palestine,” HM the King added.
The Sovereign noted that “as we work together to lay the foundations for fruitful cooperation in a fast-changing, globalized world - in which only strong economic blocs really matter - we have to depend, more than ever, on our own capabilities”.
Full speech of HM the King at the opening of the international conference on Sustainable Management of the Coast
Tangiers - HM king Mohammed VI addressed a message to participants in the international conference on "Sustainable Management of the Coast: Role of Education and Awareness-raising", which opened on Saturday in Tangiers.
Here follows the full text of the message, read out by Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, and Ambassador for the Coast:
Praise be to God
Peace and blessings be upon
the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to address the participants in this important international conference on "Sustainable Management of the Coast: Role of Education and Awareness-raising”. The choice of such a relevant theme is most commendable.
I also commend the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, under the able chairmanship of my dear sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, for the praiseworthy initiative it has taken to convene this international meeting, under the auspices of UNESCO, and in partnership with ISESCO.
This is clear evidence of the esteem enjoyed by our country in its endeavours to reconcile the requirements of economic and human development with the need to comply with international conventions pertaining to the protection of the environment.
True to this national and international commitment, Morocco has initiated long-term actions in this field, and made headway –institutionally and legally- in its effort to integrate environment issues into development-related policies.
We have, likewise, taken numerous steps to upgrade clean development initiatives. Thus, major programmes have already been launched nationwide. In addition, legislation has been passed with a view to promoting and protecting the environment, as well as fighting air pollution and managing waste, for example through prohibition of non- biodegradable plastic bags.
Furthermore, legislation has been adopted in connection with clean, renewable energy, which we are keen to bolster, mainly through our project for the production of solar energy, a pioneering undertaking at the regional and the international levels.
As for climate change, which is one of the major concerns of civil society, our country has launched a wide-range of initiatives, induding steps to carry on with the programmes for the good management of water resources and the preservation of good quality water, in addition to the adoption of national strategies to fight floods and desertification and to curb the risks of natural disasters.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the majority of countries, coastal areas are those where natural and ecological sites are most vulnerable to over-exploitation. This is due to the current patterns of consumption, the massive concentration of economic activities, the ongoing extension of towns and cities, as well as to the increasing needs in terms of equipment, infrastructure and energy.
Apart from these challenges, the considerable strains exerted by seasonal tourism activities, which tend to increase every year, should also be mentioned.
Therefore, the coast is an area where the stakes related to sustainable development assume special importance, given the risks which threaten marine life and coastal ecosystems in general, and which have the potential to harm the economy and the environment, and to hinder the achievement of the Millennium Objectives.
Aware of the scope and magnitude of the challenges ahead, our country has prepared draft legislation for the development, protection, rehabilitation and preservation of the coast.
However, no matter how important the legal aspect may be, the true test to gauge the sustainability of management -whether on the coast or in respect of development as a whole- lies in securing the adherence and support of all segments of society and in initiating long-term sensitisation and education efforts in this field.
In this connection, we wish to pay tribute to the valuable efforts being made by my dear sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla
Hasnaa President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, and Ambassador for the Coast, to enhance awarenes-raising and educational activities designed to highlight the importance of environment issues, as part of fruitful partnerships with NGOs, civic - minded enterprises - public and private alike – local governments and the relevant government departments.
While commending the launching by the Foundation of the "Eco-
Ecoles" programme under a partnership agreement concluded with the
Ministry of Education, we strongly recommend the generalisation of such a programme which contributes substantively to the achievement of the above objective.
Similarly, we want to see the National Environment Charter drafted and finalised as part of a framework-law and in compliance with our participatory, consultative and inclusive policy. But there is more to it than just the question of the environment. Indeed, this is a societal project, and we want it to serve as a general reference for developing the country's public policies. It is therefore necessary for all institutions and all forces that make up the life blood of this nation, to lend their full, unmitigated support to ensure its implementation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This important gathering, under our high patronage, provides a valuable opportunity for seasoned, highly competent, keenly responsible and deeply committed participants to interact and share their useful experiences.
We look forward to your recommendations, with their potential impact on enhancing education and stimulating awareness about the importance of preserving the coast and protecting it from all risks and hazards which might threaten it.
I wish to conclude by welcoming all participants in this important scientific gathering, to their second home, Morocco, the meeting point and venue of grart events dedicated to major issues and designed to advance the causes of humanity and the objectives of sustainable development. Welcome to Tangiers, which enjoys a special status worldwide, at the confluence between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and is a bridge for intercultural interaction, free, dynamic trade relations and productive human exchange.
We wish you every success in your proceedings.
Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatouh.
Full speech of HM the King's address to the 2nd Arab-African Summit in Sirte
Sirte, Libya - HM king Mohammed VI addressed the second Arab-African Summit, which opened on Sunday in Sirte.
Here is the full text of the address:
Praise be to God,
May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Your Excellency, Brother Muammar Gaddafi,
Leader of the Revolution,
Your Majesties,
Your Excellencies,
Your Highnesses,
First of all, I should like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to my brother Muammar Gaddafi, Leader of the Revolution, and to the Libyan people for His Excellency’s initiative to convene this second Arab-African Summit, as well as for the warm welcome and the good organization of this conference.
I also wish to say how much I appreciate my brother Muammar Gaddafi’s sincere, fervent wish to promote Arab-African solidarity, as well as his untiring efforts to give tangible meaning to that solidarity.
Through the convening of this summit, we are, in fact, showing how committed we are to the goal of revitalizing this unique partnership, which is based on time-honoured cultural and spiritual bonds, as well as on geographical and longstanding human ties, all of which have fashioned a rich, diversified identity, enabling us to make extensive contributions to human civilization.
Having always been a key player in this cultural interaction, Morocco seeks to enhance mutual understanding, interchange and cooperation between the Arab world and Africa. One of the most prominent examples of the historical bonds we forged together was the exceptional, heroic struggle we waged jointly for our liberation and independence.
In order to remain true to that common legacy, build a better future for the next generations and rise successfully to the pressing strategic and security challenges confronting our peoples, we have to dedicate ourselves, with resolve and clear-sightedness, to revamping this partnership, after more than three decades of hesitation and inaction.
We should work together to make this meeting a genuine starting point for the removal of the obstacles that have impeded our cooperation in the past. Our action in this respect must be based on sound, realistic, rational foundations, in accordance with a vision that fosters solidarity and complementarity.
Objective lessons must be drawn from the past and concerted efforts should be made to build a model partnership, while respecting the sovereignty of our nations, their legitimate, immutable values, the requirements of good neighbourliness and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, thus sparing our countries unrealistic ambitions and unnecessary problems.
I keenly look forward to making the development of this institutional partnership one of our foremost priorities, and hope it will enable us to effectively muster the human and natural resources of our countries, for that is the proper way to use all the resources available to us. We should aim to improve the living conditions of African peoples, achieve sustainable development, address the issues of poverty, marginalization and social exclusion plaguing African societies and eradicate illiteracy and deadly diseases.
Having enshrined its commitment to the Arab and African family in its Constitution, and considering this sense of belonging as a strategic policy, the Kingdom of Morocco will do its utmost to remain at the forefront of the states defending the pressing issues facing our peoples. It will pursue its untiring action to support vital African interests at multilateral level - within UN institutions, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the G77 and China, the Non-Aligned Movement - and in forums for dialogue involving Africa and several influential countries, especially when it comes to promoting national development plans and ensuring active participation in maintaining regional peace and stability in Africa.
Distinguished Leader of the Revolution,
Your Majesties,
Your Excellencies,
Your Highnesses,
As we work together to lay the foundations for fruitful cooperation in a fast-changing, globalized world - in which only strong economic blocs really matter - we have to depend, more than ever, on our own capabilities. Our partnership can play a key role in the emergence of a global governance that upholds solidarity and justice. Through our partnership, we can also launch a constructive political dialogue on issues that are of critical importance to us, particularly the question of Palestine.
As Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, I should like to say how much we appreciate Africa’s continuing support for the legitimate struggle waged by the Palestinian people to establish their independent, viable state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
At this critical juncture in the Israeli - Palestinian conflict, I should like to commend the important role played by the African Group, particularly within the United Nations Commission concerned with the defense of the immutable, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, whose last meeting the Kingdom of Morocco had the honour of hosting.
I firmly believe the pertinence and credibility of our partnership hinge on developing and implementing a collective, innovative, solidarity-based policy. The aim is to speed up the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa by enhancing good governance, active solidarity and fruitful cooperation, and by promoting tangible development projects and programs from which the most impoverished groups and regions can benefit directly.
That is the right approach to achieving more active cooperation, especially in light of the challenges our continent is facing as a result of climate change as well as food, economic and financial crises, the aggravation of the external debt burden and a decrease in foreign direct investment flows.
Because of this alarming situation, I suggested last month that the UN General Assembly should hold a dialogue, at the highest level, on investment in Africa.
I believe it is just as important to put a genuinely human face on our partnership, to promote the exchange of experiences and to strengthen bridges of understanding and rapprochement - in all sectors - between Arabs and Africans.
Hence, the Kingdom of Morocco is eager to press ahead with our partnership and give it concrete substance, in a similar way to what we have achieved with several sister African nations within the framework of South-South cooperation, especially in the areas of human development, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, graduate training, cooperation in the agriculture, health, water and energy sectors, as well as in the implementation of concrete projects to improve living conditions in both urban and rural areas, and the expansion of economic, trade and investment relations.
In this regard, Morocco is keen to see more projects and programs that fall within the scope of trilateral cooperation involving my country, African nations and donor countries and institutions.
Convinced that full African integration hinges on regional groups’ consistent, concerted efforts, I hereby confirm my country’s willingness to play a more active role within the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, and to endorse promising African initiatives, like the dialogue initiative which was launched in Rabat in 2009, and which brings together more than twenty African Atlantic countries.
Consistent with our convictions, we steadfastly and patiently look forward to getting the Arab Maghreb Union out of the present, sad state of inaction, and to overcoming objective or temporary impediments. This would enable the Maghreb Union to play its part in giving greater momentum to our partnership, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the historic Marrakech Declaration establishing the Union, which made the integration of its five countries one of the pillars of our action to achieve the unity, progress and prosperity of Africa.
Your Excellency the Leader of the Revolution,
Your Majesties,
Your Excellencies,
Your Highnesses,
To achieve sustainable development for the benefit of our two groups, we need to strengthen the foundations of security and stability and promote the culture of peace, which is deeply rooted in our Arab and African traditions. We also have to address the risks looming over the unity of our nations and defend our immutable national values by eliminating regional hotbeds of tension and conflict in several parts of our continent, such as the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region and the southern rim of the Sahara, which have become breeding grounds for violence, terrorism and the proliferation of drug trafficking and illegal cross-border migration gangs and networks.
Hence, I instructed our department of foreign affairs to initiate dialogue with a view to developing a specific, comprehensive, realistic African approach to address migration and development issues, taking into account solidarity and humanitarian principles, instead of unilateral security perspectives. Thus, Rabat hosted the first Euro-African Ministerial Conference to address this complex, tragic issue.
I must, in this respect, emphasize the pressing need to pool and coordinate national, regional and continental efforts to deal with these scourges that threaten us all, without exception.
It is also important to ensure our strategic partnership is rigorously implemented, particularly through the Arab-African joint action plan 2011-2016, which remains the best way to activate our partnership, following clear-cut priorities designed to fulfill the aspirations of our countries.
In this regard, I must emphasize how important it is for us to upgrade and revamp our partnership mechanisms so that they respond more effectively to the real concerns of our peoples, and to encourage the private sector, elected councils and bodies, intellectuals and civil society to embrace this partnership.
Before concluding, let me underscore the great responsibilities awaiting us with respect to implementing this Summit’s decisions. I pray that Almighty God help us and guide our steps so that we may build on a spirit of mutual assistance and concord to press ahead with this promising partnership.
Thank you.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.