Morocco’s King Mohammed VI celebrated his 26th Throne Day on Wednesday, a national holiday marking the day he took the throne. During his speech, the monarch highlighted the strength of the country’s economy and made a call to ease tensions with neighboring Algeria over the disputed Western Sahara region.
The King began his address by sharing positive news on Morocco’s economic progress:“Despite consecutive years of drought and the worsening of international crises, the national economy has maintained a significant and steady growth rate over the past few years. Morocco is also experiencing an unprecedented industrial boom, with industrial exports having more than doubled since 2014, particularly in sectors linked to Morocco’s global industries.”
He also reached out to Algeria, calling for a resolution to the ongoing conflict surrounding Rabat’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory home to around 600,000 people.
Morocco maintains its claim over the region, while Algeria backs the Polisario Front, which seeks full independence for the territory.
Back in 2007, Morocco proposed a self-rule plan that keeps Western Sahara under Rabat’s sovereignty, while granting it autonomy. The plan has received backing from several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
“On another note, we take pride in the growing international support for the Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara. While we are proud of these positions, which uphold truth and legitimacy, we also reaffirm our commitment to finding a consensual solution in which there is no winner or loser, and which preserves the dignity of all parties involved.”
King Mohammed officially assumed the throne on July 30, 1999, following the passing of his father, King Hassan II.
