In an initiative to open a new chapter in relations between Morocco and Algeria, Moroccan King Mohammed VI said Algeria’s security and stability, and the tranquility of its people, were part of Morocco’s security and stability.
Morocco and Algeria were “more than just two neighboring countries: they are twins, complementing one another,” he remarked in a speech on Saturday on the occasion of the Throne Celebration, which commemorates the day of the King’s accession to power.
King Mohammed said he was “not satisfied” with the current state of relations between Morocco and Algeria, stressing the importance of reopening the borders between them.
“The closing of borders is incompatible with a natural right and an intrinsic legal principle, both of which are enshrined in international covenants, including the Marrakech Treaty, which is the founding text of the Arab Maghreb Union. That Treaty stipulates the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital between the States of the Union,” he underlined.
He called for “making the logic of wisdom and of our supreme interests prevail in order to remedy this regrettable situation.”
“This is a situation in which the energies of our two countries are being squandered and which is incompatible with the bonds of affection and fraternity between our peoples,” the monarch added.
Addressing the Algerian people, he said: “To our brothers in Algeria, I say, Morocco will never cause you any evil or problems. Nor will my country put you in peril or under threat. That is because what affects you affects us, and what befalls you harms us.”
King Mohammed stressed that Morocco and Algeria were both suffering from the problems of migration, smuggling, drugs and human trafficking.
“The gangs, which engage in such activities, are our real, common enemy. If we work together to combat them, we would surely manage to reduce their activities and dry up their resources,” he emphasized.
On a different note, King Mohammed said the Covid-19 pandemic was still present, calling on everyone to “continue to be vigilant and respect the directives of the public authorities in this regard.”
“This has been a difficult situation for all of us, for me and my family, as for all citizens. Indeed, when I see Moroccans suffer, I, too, feel their pain and experience the same feelings,” he said.
Noting that the pandemic has adversely impacted the country’s economic projects and activities and affected the social conditions of many citizens, the monarch stressed that he has sought to come up with solutions to reduce the effects of the crisis.
King Mohammed spoke of the new development model, saying: “I consider its implementation to be a national duty that requires the participation of all stakeholders, especially those who will be in charge of government and public policy in the years to come.”
He added: “I hope the National Pact for Development will serve as a frame of reference that includes development principles and priorities as well as an economic and social contract that paves the way for a new revolution of the King and the people.”
