ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Morocco in Pakistan celebrated the 25th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne with a reception. The celebration not only honored the Moroccan monarch’s two and a half decades of leadership but also highlighted the remarkable transformations Morocco has undergone under his reign.
Addressing the event, the Moroccan Ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Karmoune said that the anniversary serves as a poignant moment to renew the bond between the Moroccan people and their King, reflecting on the progress achieved and addressing the challenges that lie ahead in pursuit of a modern, prosperous state.
In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of Morocco under King Mohammed in the past 25 years.
Achievements Over the Past 25 Years
Under King Mohammed VI’s guidance, Morocco has seen substantial progress in various sectors:
Political Reform: The Moroccan political landscape has been reshaped with the adoption of a significant constitutional reform in 2011, designed to enhance the efficiency of political institutions.
Economic Development: The country’s GDP has tripled, supported by numerous mega-projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, and transportation. Key industries such as automotive and aerospace have flourished, positioning Morocco as a leading African industrial and technology hub. From 2007 to 2023, Morocco attracted approximately $37.5 billion in foreign direct investment, solidifying its status as a prime investment destination in Africa.
Social Progress: Significant strides have been made in social protection, with 3.8 million families receiving state social income and 23 million Moroccans benefiting from mandatory health insurance. The country is dedicated to enhancing medical care and services, ensuring a solid safety net for its citizens.
Strategic and Geostrategic Initiatives
King Mohammed VI has launched the Atlantic Initiative, a transformative project aimed at connecting Sahelian countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Mali to the Atlantic Ocean. This initiative is expected to bolster economic integration and create substantial benefits for these nations.
On the domestic front, the King has underscored the urgency of addressing Morocco’s water scarcity crisis, calling for innovative solutions and improved governance to ensure sustainable access to drinking water and efficient irrigation.
Support for the Palestinian Cause
King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a definitive resolution to the conflict that ensures Gaza remains an integral part of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Strengthening Ties with Pakistan
Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune took the opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between Morocco and Pakistan, which spans over 66 years.
He highlighted the strengthening of bilateral ties through regular political dialogue, legal framework enhancements, high-level visits, and coordination in international organizations.
The Ambassador affirmed Morocco’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan, aiming to achieve shared development goals and excellence in their relations.
The 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI not only celebrates Morocco’s past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavors and collaborations, both domestically and internationally.