"This explicit stance is likely to enable a future independent, closely-knit and viable Palestinian state to live side by side with Israel in peace and security," a foreign ministry statement said on Friday.

    The statement added that this stance "is all the more welcome as it comes after Israeli-Palestinian direct negotiations have stalled for months now for known reasons."

     Morocco hopes that this clear stance, expressed by President Barack Obama on Thursday, will give fresh momentum to international efforts towards enabling the Palestinian people to enjoy their full legitimate rights, it said.

    The statement emphasised the need for an agreement as soon as possible on all the final-status aspects, adding that Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI chairs the Al Quds Committee, insists on the special status of East Jerusalem and firmly denounces attempts to judaize this holy city, which should be the capital of the future Palestinian state.

     It also commended sustained efforts made by President Obama over the past years in order to revive the Mideast peace process.

    The Kingdom, it said, hails “President Obama’s strong message in favour of an effective, real and bold regional integration, which creates important economic opportunities.”