In a speech delivered at the 34th Arab Summit, which began Saturday in Baghdad, the Republic of Iraq, the Sovereign pointed out that the Kingdom of Morocco supports all initiatives likely to revitalize joint Arab cooperation in order to tackle the crisis of rising food and energy prices as well as water scarcity, and to respond to the urgent need to address the adverse effects of climate change.

"The exceptionally delicate and difficult circumstances in which this important Summit is being held require sincere political will rooted in a firm belief in joint action and strict adherence to the principles of good neighborliness, respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” HM the King emphasized in His speech, read out by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita.

This determination, the Sovereign stressed, is also grounded in the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and the need to refrain from sponsoring separatist movements, which are disavowed by history and for which there is no longer any place, given current international changes and developments.

For His Majesty the King, "Joint Arab action will be effective only once the reform of our organization, which began years ago, has been completed, in a manner which fulfils our countries’ aspirations in a spirit of consensus and concord."

Underlining the significance of establishing strong inter-Arab economic and trade partnerships that can broaden prospects for the achievement of growth and prosperity for all Arab peoples, the Sovereign highlighted that investing in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and modern technology offer a real opportunity for development, and for transitioning to more sustainable green economic models, in addition to engaging in the global changes occurring in the world, which would benefit the region’s peoples.

HM the King noted that North Africa remains “the least economically integrated region in the Arab world and the least dynamic in terms of inter-Arab trade,” despite its abundant natural resources and economic potential.

"Given this situation, I cannot but regret, once again, that the Arab Maghreb Union has not been able to play its natural role in promoting the joint development of the Maghreb countries by guaranteeing, in particular, the free movement of people, capital, goods and services between its five Member States," the Sovereign said in His speech.

As regards the painful and unfortunate circumstances some Arab sister nations are experiencing, HM the King affirmed that the Kingdom of Morocco has not spared – nor will it spare – any effort to heal rifts and contribute to finding solutions to the crises plaguing the Arab region, making dialogue and peaceful initiatives prevail over the logic of force and military solutions.

In this regard, the Sovereign recalled that since the beginning of the crisis affecting Libya, the Kingdom of Morocco has been resolutely and effectively engaged in regional and international efforts aimed at reconciling political rivals and facilitating their efforts to find a solution to the crisis.

As regards Syria, the Kingdom of Morocco "reaffirms its unwavering, historical position set out in the letter I sent to my brother, His Excellency President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, namely that we stand by and support the proud Syrian people as they seek to fulfil their aspirations for freedom, security, and stability and to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty," HM the King affirmed.

"To confirm this position towards our brothers in Syria and support the promising course of action there, the Kingdom of Morocco has decided to reopen its embassy in Damascus, which was closed down in 2012," the Sovereign announced, noting that "this will contribute to opening up broader prospects for the historical bilateral relations between our countries and our peoples in the two sister nations."

Furthermore, HM the King indicated that Morocco is following “with deep concern the dangerous developments unfolding in some Arab countries, such as Yemen, the Sudan, and Lebanon," reaffirming the Kingdom’s engagement in and support for all initiatives and efforts aimed at promoting a political process that is conducive to stability and peace in these Arab countries, and that can help overcome differences and conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means, while safeguarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab sister nations.