logo
In light of its Chairmanship of Al-Quds Committee, Morocco Sees Two-State Solution as Cornerstone to Regional Security and Stability- Morocco's Foreign Minister

In light of its Chairmanship of Al-Quds Committee, Morocco Sees Two-State Solution as Cornerstone to Regional Security and Stability- Morocco's Foreign Minister

Zawya20-05-2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita affirmed on Tuesday in Rabat that the Kingdom of Morocco, in light of its historical responsibility and its chairmanship of the Al-Quds Committee, considers the two-state solution as the cornerstone for ensuring the security and stability of the region.
Speaking at the opening of the fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution—organized by the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the theme "Sustaining Momentum for the Peace Process: Lessons Learned, Success Stories and Steps Forward", MFA Bourita noted that the Two-State solution "is the only option where there are no losers, as everyone gains: Palestinians gain their freedom and dignity, Israelis their security and stability, and the entire region gains opportunities for development and progress."
The Minister stressed that the Two-State solution is neither an empty slogan nor a pretext for diplomatic posturing, but a moral commitment and a realistic political option that can no longer be postponed or subject to hesitation.
"In this context, wars have been waged and violence has afflicted all parties, never bringing about peace or lasting security. Today, it is imperative to translate this choice into a roadmap with a clear timeline and responsible steps,' he added.
According to MFA Bourita, it is evident that "some do lose from the implementation of this solution: extremists on all sides, who thrive on the conflict and live in its shadow. Also among the losers are those who trade in slogans and claim to support the Palestinian people without offering even a bag of rice, simply because they prefer the comfort of opposition over the responsibility of action."
He emphasized that the Two-State solution is not a fleeting idea but a historic choice endorsed by the international community for decades. Despite successive crises, this option remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting settlement, enabling the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as its capital.
Throughout the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bourita recalled, this horizon has sometimes seemed within reach, and at other times more distant, but it remains the guiding compass toward a peaceful resolution for the benefit of both peoples and the wider region—one that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within internationally recognized borders.
In this regard, the Minister affirmed that Morocco, under the leadership of its Sovereigns, has always remained faithful to this vision. From the reign of the late His Majesty King Hassan II, may God rest his soul, to the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, Moroccan diplomacy has consistently worked with determination and calm—sometimes in silence but always with wisdom and effectiveness—to bring viewpoints closer and increase the chances for a just peace.
MFA Bourita emphasized that His Majesty the King clearly outlined the parameters for overcoming the current deadlock in His address at the recent Arab Summit in Baghdad. These include the immediate cessation of military operations, viewed as both a humanitarian and political priority, and the need to confront attacks in the West Bank, including demolitions and forced displacements.
He added that it is also essential to ensure the unhindered and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid, to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) so it can continue its humanitarian mission, and to launch an integrated reconstruction plan in accordance with the conclusions of the recent Cairo Summit, under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and with Arab and international oversight.
Furthermore, MFA Bourita highlighted that the approach of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution rests on three main pillars. The first involves drawing on past successes to move toward a promising future. "We do not recall previous peace agreements to justify failures but to prove that peace is not a mirage, but a realistic prospect when the will to achieve it exists," he stated.
The second pillar aims to strengthen institutional support for the Palestinian National Authority, he added, noting that, the Authority under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, remains the only viable partner, and reinforcing its capacities and legitimacy is essential to the success of the Two-State solution—not as a precondition for recognizing the Palestinian state, but because the sovereignty of peoples should never be conditional.
Regarding the third pillar, MFA Bourita stated that it involves embedding the economic dimension in the peace process, emphasizing that there can be no peace without a solid economic foundation. "The economy of peace" must serve as a vehicle for integration, a lever for coexistence, and a platform for launching joint projects, he said.
In this regard, he added, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency is well-positioned to play a central role in supporting the Palestinian national economy, as it has done for years in line with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
"But let's be clear," he stressed, "no amount of economic support can substitute for a political solution. We do not want temporary painkillers, but rather a fundamental treatment of the conflict."
On this occasion, MFA Bourita called for enriching the "Compendium," which Morocco intends to present jointly with the Netherlands.
He also praised the leading role played by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union in driving this Alliance forward, while expressing Morocco's support for the Franco-Saudi co-presidency of the High-Level Conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the Two-State solution, scheduled for next month in New York.
The Minister stressed that holding this meeting in a dramatic context marked by the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip is not just another diplomatic gathering, but a message of hope addressed to the peoples of the Middle East and a concrete step toward reviving the Two-State option to make it a tangible reality through effective measures.
At this crucial historical juncture, Bourita affirmed, "we believe that our Alliance can be part of the promising initiatives capable of injecting new momentum into peace efforts by proposing concrete measures and tangible actions to bring the political process to a more advanced level and thereby create the diplomatic dynamic needed to establish the Two-State solution as the only path to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace for the Palestinian cause."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tunisia: Financial balances of 2026 draft Finance Law at heart of cabinet meeting
Tunisia: Financial balances of 2026 draft Finance Law at heart of cabinet meeting

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

Tunisia: Financial balances of 2026 draft Finance Law at heart of cabinet meeting

Tunis - A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, was held Tuesday, at the Government Palace in Kasbah, to review the financial balances of the draft Finance Law for 2026. According to a press release, the Prime Minister affirmed that the draft Finance Law for 2026 is 'a sovereign instrument that embodies the popular will and represents the financial translation of the State's social and economic priorities and the objectives of the Development Plan for the period 2026–2030.' That plan is based on a bottom-up approach starting from the local level, then the regional level, then the district level, and finally reaching the national level, in line with the vision of President Kais Saied. Zenzri stressed that this draft law constitutes the embodiment of the State's policy and its major choices, which revolve mainly around reconciling social justice with economic growth. The Cabinet reviewed the main axes included in the financial balances of the 2026 draft Finance Law, foremost among them strengthening the pillars of the social state, particularly employment and reducing unemployment, through the implementation of a new recruitment programme in the civil service in 2026, continuing the programme to regularize temporary public workers (site workers), combating precarious employment, and prohibiting outsourcing. Other key points include undertaking legislative reforms to support decent work and guarantee social protection, supporting vulnerable groups and low-income families, working on their economic integration and improving their living conditions, as well as improving the quality of public services and bringing them closer to citizens, especially in health, education, and transportation. Among the other components of these balances are boosting public investment with fair development in line with the 2026–2030 Development Plan, diversifying sources of investment financing, promoting investment in renewable energy, integrating the informal economy, and investing in equitable development based on the outcomes of the work of local, regional, and district councils in preparing the 2026–2030 Development Plan. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to sustain financial balances so that they meet the aspirations of the various social groups and achieve a balance between the social role of the State and the support of economic growth, within a comprehensive vision aimed at establishing fair development and achieving social justice. © Tap 2025 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

The Treaty on Plastics is a Direct Attack on African Development - African Nations Must Oppose It
The Treaty on Plastics is a Direct Attack on African Development - African Nations Must Oppose It

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

The Treaty on Plastics is a Direct Attack on African Development - African Nations Must Oppose It

The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Treaty on Plastics is currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland, with over 170 nations meeting to discuss the implementation of a legally-binding instrument on plastic pollution. If signed, the treaty would cut the production levels of single-use plastics, posing significant economic damages to hydrocarbon-producing countries – particularly those in Africa. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly opposes the proposed Treaty on Plastics. While the intentions behind such a treaty may stem from environmental concerns in the developed world, its implementation would devastate the petrochemical industry in Africa. This treaty would effectively stifle the growth of Africa's oil and gas industry, leading to increased energy poverty, hindered manufacturing, stalled industrialization and a decline in vital investments for the chemicals sector. African countries, particularly Gabon, Ghana, Angola and Senegal, would bear the brunt of this impact. These are nations which have long-faced economic challenges, yet they possess significant deposits of oil and gas resources. Gabon holds 2 billion barrels of oil and 1.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas; Ghana has 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 2.1 tcf of gas; Senegal has 1 billion barrels of oil and 120 tcf of gas; while Angola has 9 billion barrels of oil and 11 tcf of gas. These resources promise to turn Africa's economy around, primarily through opportunities in petrochemical production. The rise in petrochemical manufacturing in Africa brings with it a wave of economic benefits – from employment opportunities to the introduction of essential materials and supply chains to global trade and innovation. Petrochemicals will catalyze development across strategic sectors, including healthcare, agriculture and transportation. Faced with both an energy and food crisis, Africa requires petrochemicals to improve livelihoods and ensure inclusive growth. By opposing the Treaty on Plastics, African nations can protect their path to energy security, industrial growth and economic prosperity. Gabon, for example, is making significant strides towards alleviating energy poverty through investments in oil and gas projects. Targeting 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), the country seeks to diversify its economy through the expansion of petrochemicals, LNG and LPG processing. Major projects include the $2 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal – starting in 2026 – the Batanga LPG plant and the SOGARA refinery, which targets 1.5 million tons by 2030. The Treaty on Plastics would disrupt this growth, impacting Gabon's efforts to strengthen its economy. Ongoing oil and gas projects in Senegal would also be jeopardized by the Treaty. Following the start of operations at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in 2025 and the Sangomar oilfield in 2024, Senegal is advancing efforts to improve domestic fuel security, facilitate the development of new industries and spur economic development. GTA has a capacity of 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa), with subsequent phases increasing output to 5 mtpa. Sedin Engineering plans to build a refinery and petrochemical plant in the country leveraging offshore resources to produce high-value plastics and chemicals. The Treaty on Plastics would restrict this. Meanwhile, Ghana's ambitious petrochemical park would suffer significantly, undermining the country's industrial development. The country plans to develop a $12 billion petroleum hub in Jomoro, which, following the completion of all phases, will incorporate three 300,000 bpd refineries, five petrochemical plants, storage facilities and port infrastructure. The Treaty on Plastics would impact this project, which has the potential to drastically improve energy and food security across the West African region. Angola – sub-Saharan Africa's second biggest oil producer – plans to enhance petrochemical production under efforts to diversify the oil-reliant economy. Under the Gas Master Plan – aimed at attracting $30 billion in investment and generating over $150 billion in economic benefits through the natural gas sector – Angola aims to bolster petrochemical and fertilizer production, thereby supporting the creation of new industries. The Treaty on Plastic could see a dramatic decline in oil, gas and plastic demand, impacting Angola's progress to diversify and grow its economy. Tanzania – home to upwards of 57 tcf of gas reserves – is also pursuing several petrochemical and natural gas projects. Through the development of the $42 billion Tanzania LNG project, the country seeks to accelerate industrialization, positioning itself as a global hub for oil, gas and associate by-products. Projects such as the Tanzania Mbolea and Petrochemicals Company Kilwa Complex – a proposed project that targets a capacity of 3.8 mtpa – are central to this goal. Once completed, the plant will be the largest fertilizer-manufacturing factory in Africa producing a variety of petrochemical products, including urea and ammonia. The complex is expected to commence commercial operations in 2028, but if the Treaty on Plastics is signed, it could significantly impact the project's ability to secure financing and reach completion. 'The AEC calls on African nations, specifically Gabon, Ghana, Angola, and Senegal, to reject support for this treaty. We urge these countries to prioritize their energy and industrial needs over external environmental agendas that do not align with Africa's developmental priorities. Supporting this treaty would amount to shooting yourselves in the foot, making no sense for Africa's future,' stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Israel pressures ceasefire talks with threat to deport Gazans to countries like South Sudan
Israel pressures ceasefire talks with threat to deport Gazans to countries like South Sudan

The National

time3 hours ago

  • The National

Israel pressures ceasefire talks with threat to deport Gazans to countries like South Sudan

Israel is pressuring Gaza ceasefire talks by forcing residents to 'leave' and floating the idea of relocating them to African countries such as South Sudan, Palestinian political sources have said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated that his army would 'allow' Palestinians to leave Gaza. At the same time, AP reported that Israel is in talks with South Sudan to host Gazans. The reports came days after Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza, amid renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire in the devastated territory, where Israeli forces have killed more than 61,000 Palestinians since October 2023. 'There are desperate attempts to improve Israel's negotiating terms,' one of the Palestinian political sources told The National on Wednesday. 'What Netanyahu is doing is an attempt to show he is taking action amid his internal crisis: what to do with the Gaza war,' said the official, a former minister. Calls to forcibly resettle Palestinians from Gaza have previously drawn widespread condemnation, especially from Arab countries, who reject the idea of "emptying" Gaza, as previously suggested by US President Donald Trump. Mr Netanyahu told a televised interview that 'Israel will give them the opportunity to leave," adding that he felt he was on a 'historic and spiritual mission,' and was 'very' attached to the vision of a Greater Israel, which includes parts of Jordan and Egypt. Pressure tactic AP previously reported that Israel and the US approached Sudan, Somalia, and the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland with similar resettlement proposals. The status of those talks is unclear. On Wednesday, Israeli media reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel would hold a series of meetings in South Sudan, the first official visit to the East African country by an Israeli government representative. 'Israel and Netanyahu are in crisis, and global shifts are exerting significant pressure on them. They need desperate measures and desperate propaganda to push their way through,' said a Palestinian source. Last week, Israel's cabinet approved Mr Netanyahu's plans to occupy Gaza city in the north and displace half of the population by forcing them south. Sources told The National that invading the city would mark the start of reoccupying the entire territory, 20 years after Israel's so-called 'disengagement' from Gaza. The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had approved the "framework" for a new assault. Many see this as another pressure tactic in ceasefire negotiations, which Israel wants to avoid tying to an obligation to end the war and withdraw from Gaza, a condition Hamas insists on. 'The Israeli army is present throughout Gaza, and talk of a new offensive is an Israeli pressure tactic. It will cost them many men and much money. The chances of a battle are slim,' the former minister said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store