Royal Speech Confirms Importance of Palestine in Morocco’s Foreign Policy – Asharq al-Awsat

The Speech delivered by HM King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day confirms once again that Palestine occupies an important place in Morocco’s foreign policy and is the cornerstone of its Arab identity, writes on Tuesday the daily Asharq al-Awsat. In an opinion piece by Lebanese journalist and writer Nadim Koteich, the newspaper points out that the Sovereign has insisted that Morocco’s ties with the world are based on respect for the principles of international justice and peace, far from any racial, religious, ethnic or conflictual considerations. This meticulousness in protecting Morocco’s strategic alliances and the constancy of its position on sensitive international issues have enabled Morocco to take pride in its sovereignty over its southern provinces, and in the growing international recognition it has won over the Sahara issue, particularly from Israel, according to the author of the article. This meticulousness and consistency also enable Morocco to present this feat as a strategic and diplomatic victory for its people and country, without any contradiction between the Kingdom’s national interest and its Arab and international responsibilities with regard to the Palestinian cause. The Moroccan position is based on the achievement of strategic gains through active diplomacy, disregarding the uproar that usually accompanies the mechanisms of political action in the region, and which manifests itself through threats, tension and one-upmanship in the Palestine issue and many others. “In this respect, we can understand the precise approach adopted in the relationship with Algeria, which was expressed unambiguously in the Royal Speech, through the hand always extended and the logic of reconciliation in favor of regional stability instead of confrontation,” he added. The Royal Speech thus lays the foundations for a probable rapprochement between the two neighboring countries on the basis of respect for historical and geopolitical data, which favors the achievement of a balance between the national interests of the two countries and the conditions guaranteeing regional integration, he said. The author of the article also pointed out that Morocco’s policy is based on the strategic use of soft power in a region where the logic of force predominates, noting that Moroccan diplomacy has always taken advantage of the cultural aspect, economic partnerships, soft diplomacy and the advances made in the fields of renewable energies and human rights. He noted that seriousness was repeatedly referred to in the Royal Speech as a general principle of national political and social action, stressing that HM the King also insisted on integrity and merit. Koteich also pointed out that the Royal Speech revealed an awareness and willingness to tackle economic and environmental challenges, rather than using them as excuses for failure, arguing that this approach will help promote an environment conducive to national growth and stability, and broaden the prospects for a prosperous Morocco. He said that the Royal Speech reflects a good mastery of the three challenges facing the world today, namely infrastructure development, the promotion of skills and technological development as the keystone of progress.