In his speech addressed on Friday, October 11, to the parliament on the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the 11th Legislature, HM King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude to all the countries supporting Morocco in defending its territorial integrity.
"We are also proud of the positions taken by brotherly Arab and African countries, who clearly and responsibly support the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, particularly those who have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla,” stated HM King Mohammed VI in his opening speech to the parliament on the occasion of the new legislative year.
The Sovereign emphasized that the Autonomy Initiative, as the only basis for achieving a final resolution to the conflict within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty, enjoys broad support from an increasing number of countries worldwide.
"This positive development, which upholds justice and legitimacy through the recognition of Morocco’s historical rights, is supported by a major country with permanent membership in the Security Council and recognized as an influential actor on the international stage,” added the Sovereign, highlighting the recent support from France, noting that this country has an in-depth understanding of the nature and underlying causes of this regional conflict.
King Mohammed VI also noted that this development bolsters the efforts made within the United Nations framework to establish the foundations for a political process aimed at reaching a final resolution to this issue within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The Sovereign also recalled the support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara from the United States of America, which, like France, is a permanent member of the Security Council.
Referring to the same support expressed by Spain and numerous EU countries, HM King Mohammed VI expressed his appreciation for their favorable positions on Morocco’s primary cause and extended his thanks to all the countries that engage economically and through investments with the southern provinces of the Kingdom as an integral part of the national territory.
"(These countries) thus accompany the dynamic of social, economic, and cultural development taking place in the Moroccan Sahara, reinforcing its position as a hub of communication and exchange between Morocco and its African depth. They also place the Moroccan Sahara at the heart of the strategic continental initiatives we have launched, such as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, the African Atlantic States Process, and the initiative to promote access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean,” concluded HM King Mohammed VI.
Among the 193 member states of the United Nations, 164 do not recognize the separatist entity, representing 85% of the international community. Furthermore, 112 countries worldwide support the Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, including the majority of African countries. Similarly, an increasing number of European Union countries, including Nordic countries, support this initiative.
Another indicator of this massive international support is the opening of 28 consulates general in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla by states and regional organizations, reflecting explicit recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.