Xinhuanet
Source: Xinhua
Moroccan King Mohammed VI said on Saturday that Africa has been given top priority in Morocco’s foreign policy, adding that this multi-dimensional relationship puts Morocco in the center of Africa.
Africa is the natural extension of Morocco and the embodiment of the country’s strategic depth, the Moroccan king underlined in a speech to the nation on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, which marked the royal family’s return to the country after being forced to exile by French colonial authorities.
“I believe what is good for Morocco is good for Africa — and vice versa. I also believe there can be no progress without stability: either the two go together, or they do not exist,” he said.
“Despite the extensive damage caused by colonialism, I believe Africa has the means to ensure its development and to take its destiny into its own hands, thanks to the resolve of African peoples and to the continent’s human and natural resources,” the king said.
Evoking Morocco’s recent decision to rejoin the African Union, the king said “our decision that Morocco should take its natural place, once again, within the African institutional family clearly illustrates our commitment to supporting the causes of African people.”
The Moroccan king said his country’s national responses to many regional and international issues, such as development, migration and the fight against terrorism, are in line with a firm commitment to serving the African people.
In mid July, Morocco formally announced its wish to rejoin the African Union, 32 years after leaving the organization.
