Speaking at the joint ministerial meeting between GCC states and Morocco, Mr. Bourita stressed that the Kingdom is committed to intensifying efforts, in coordination with the Council's sister countries, to give this partnership “the impetus and added value to which we all aspire”.

In this respect, the Minister expressed his conviction that “thanks to our sincere collective will and steadfast determination, as well as the guidance of our leaders, may God preserve them, we will be able to meet the challenges in order to elevate our partnership to the level of our peoples' aspirations for progress and prosperity”.

He also noted with deep satisfaction the significant steps undertaken by the fruitful partnership between Morocco and the GCC, in its strategic, political, economic, human, cultural and development dimensions, in accordance with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and of His brothers, Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC States.

“This positive assessment of our strategic partnership process has prompted us to renew the joint action plan for a new period up to 2030”, he continued.

He noted that “beyond the fraternal and historic ties of our leaders and our countries, our strategic partnership must also revolve around the exchange of economic benefits, making it more deeply rooted. This implies encouraging businessmen and investors on both sides to forge solid relations, through the establishment of an institutional framework and the exploration of investment opportunities capable of stimulating development and creating job opportunities”, welcoming in this context the holding of the Morocco-CCG Investment Forum this year.

Morocco, which is gearing up to host sporting events of continental and global scope, such as the 2025 African Cup and the 2030 World Cup, is brimming with promising investment opportunities, offering an ideal framework for GCC companies to partake in the construction projects that will be launched in anticipation of these events, he maintained. The Kingdom, he said, represents a gateway for Gulf countries to the African continent, notably through initiatives launched by HM King Mohammed VI, including the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries' access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic African States Process and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project.

“The benefits we all hope to retrieve from our strategic partnership call on us to ponder on strengthening its institutional framework to serve the interests of all,” Mr. Bourita emphasized.

Referring to the strategic partnership between Morocco and the GCC, the Minister asserted that it is founded on solid ties of solidarity, recalling HM the King's address to the Morocco-Gulf countries summit in 2016. In this speech, the Sovereign stated that “Morocco has always perceived the security and stability of Gulf countries as an intrinsic part of its own security and stability. What hurts you hurts us, and what affects us affects you".

He also pointed out that the meeting is held during a delicate time in the history of the Arab region, against a backdrop of rapid and decisive change, adding that “we need as much to unify our ranks and our decisions as we need to show wisdom and insight, far from the meaningless slogans that only lead to division".

Concerning the Palestinian question, Mr. Bourita asserted that ideas and projects raised in connection with the repercussions of the devastating war on the Gaza Strip “must not distance us from peace, not only as a moral value, but also as an achievable horizon and the only option in the interests of all peoples of the region”.

He added that, on the basis of this vision, HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, is resolutely committed to merging efforts to preserve the two-State solution, perceived as the basis for a peaceful settlement enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent State on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as its capital, in accordance with the relevant international references and the Arab Peace Initiative.

As for developments in other countries, first and foremost Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Libya, the Minister stressed that they carry both risks and hopes. “It is our responsibility to keep in mind the need for preserving the territorial integrity of states as well as their sovereignty over their entire territory, within the framework of an inclusive national unity and the rejection of foreign interference."