His Majesty King Mohammed VI has led Morocco’s democratic and economic development with wisdom, making the Kingdom "a leading country" on the African continent, according to Lord Henry Bellingham, former UK Foreign Office Minister for Africa.
"It is fitting to pay tribute to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his leadership, which has enabled Morocco to achieve remarkable democratic progress and emerge as a leading country across Africa," he stated in an interview with MAP on the occasion of the celebration of the Throne Day.
Lord Bellingham highlighted the promising evolution of UK-Morocco relations, bolstered in particular by the close ties between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Majesty King Charles III.
"In terms of trade, many opportunities have opened up between the UK and Morocco. This is largely due to the path laid out by HM King Mohammed VI," he added, noting that the two Kingdoms share many common features, including privileged relations with the world’s major economies.
Numerous sectors are open to strategic high-level partnership between the two nations, Lord Bellingham continued, underscoring the significance of the decision by Rabat and London to strengthen their bilateral ties.
He also emphasized the cultural dimension of UK-Morocco relations, which adds further depth to the historic bonds that date back over 800 years.
The former minister welcomed the recent decision by the United Kingdom to support the autonomy plan presented by Morocco to definitively resolve the regional conflict surrounding its territorial integrity.
Support for the autonomy plan "is both an important and decisive decision," said Lord Bellingham, who also served as Minister of State at the Foreign Office responsible for Asia-Pacific.
By viewing the autonomy plan as "the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis" for resolving the Sahara issue, the UK is aligning itself with key allies that support Morocco’s territorial integrity, including the United States, France, and Spain, he affirmed.
"It is equally important to recall that several African countries have opened consulates in the cities of Laâyoune and Dakhla," Lord Bellingham observed. In his opinion, the opponents of Morocco's territorial integrity must face the facts and recognize the geopolitical shift in favor of the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara.
Lord Bellingham, a member of the UK House of Lords, also praised the Atlantic Initiative launched by His Majesty the King, which aims to offer Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to peace and stability in the region while paving the way for economic development and improved livelihoods, he said.
Morocco launched the initiative, which, according to the British politician, is especially vital at a time when the world is witnessing alarming instability in the Sahel.
He added that if any country exemplifies a stable democracy with modern institutions and a highly respected Monarchy, it is Morocco.
"Morocco’s efforts and initiatives for stability and economic development in the region further strengthen the Kingdom’s credibility to lead change in the Sahel and across the region," Lord Bellingham concluded.
MAP: 22 July 2025
