King Mohammed VI Advocates for Strengthened Arab Cooperation at Baghdad Summit
Addressing the 34th Summit of the Arab League in Baghdad on Saturday, the Moroccan King stressed the importance of collective efforts to tackle pressing regional challenges, including food and energy price surges, water scarcity, and climate change impacts.
'In these exceptional, sensitive, and difficult circumstances surrounding this important Summit, we must demonstrate sincere political will, guided by faith in building a common project, adherence to good neighborliness principles, and respect for states' national sovereignty and territorial integrity,' King Mohammed VI said in his speech, delivered by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The King's speech reflected Morocco's 'principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs and refraining from harboring separatist movements' as the basis of Arab countries' collective action for stability, security, and prosperity.
Arab league reform is essential
King Mohammed VI explained that Arab nations' meaningful progress requires completing the long-standing reform process of the Arab League.
While pointing to organizational transformation as a prerequisite for effective regional cooperation, the King said that 'joint Arab action cannot be fully effective unless the reform of our Organization, initiated years ago, is completed in a manner that meets the aspirations of our countries and ensures harmony and concord.'
Economic integration challenges
Speaking of the economic prosperity of Arab countries, King Mohammed VI called for robust inter-Arab economic and commercial partnerships to create broader development opportunities.
His speech outlined major sectors of cooperation, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
The King referred to these as critical areas for investment to 'boost development efforts, ensure transition toward green and sustainable economic models, and align with global evolutionary dynamics.'
Read also: Morocco Proposes Arab Cultural Coalition to Counter AI Challenges at Ministerial Conference
Speaking of North Africa's pressing economic challenges, he noted that despite its abundant natural resources and economic potential, the region remains severely under-integrated economically.
'We can only deplore, once again, that the Arab Maghreb Union fails to fulfill its natural role as a lever for common development among Maghreb countries by ensuring, notably, the free movement of people, capital, goods, and services between its five member states,' the King added, expressing frustration with the lack of regional economic integration.
Diplomatic approach to regional crises
Addressing the 'painful and deplorable' situations affecting several Arab nations, King Mohammed VI affirmed Morocco's commitment to contributing to resolving regional conflicts through peaceful means.
'Morocco will spare no effort to halt any form of division by contributing to the resolution of crises embroiling the Arab region,' he noted, explaining that the North African country's approach prioritizes 'dialogue and peaceful initiatives over the logic of force and military options.'
To show Morocco's active role in resolving regional crises, the King recalled the country's active participation in mediation efforts during the Libyan crisis.
Read also: King Mohammed VI Calls for Revival of Ceasefire Negotiations as Israel Continues Gaza Genocidal War
Concerning ongoing turbulent crises, the monarch expressed 'deep concern' regarding developments in Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon.
He reiterated Morocco's commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions that preserve Arab nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As Arab leaders continue their deliberations in Baghdad, King Mohammed VI's message reflects Morocco's vision of Arab cooperation built on mutual respect, territorial integrity, and collaborative development. Tags: Arab coalitionArab cooperationArab League SummitArab SummitMorocco
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