In his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast position on both the issue of Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause, calling for realistic and lasting solutions to end regional conflicts.
Akhannouch reiterated that Morocco’s autonomy initiative is the only practical solution to the regional dispute over Western Sahara. He highlighted the growing international support for this initiative, which is widely recognized as a reliable and pragmatic solution.
In this context, the Prime Minister stated that it is time to close the chapter on this conflict and respect the Kingdom’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also reviewed the economic and social transformations taking place in Morocco’s southern regions, thanks to the new development model and royal initiatives, affirming that the area has become a platform for stability and development.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Akhannouch emphasized that Morocco fully supports the two-state solution, which he considers the only way to establish comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. He stressed the need for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, while considering Gaza an integral part of it.
He called on the international community to open avenues for a credible political solution, with a clear timeline to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
He also emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and ensuring the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and West Bank, in addition to strengthening the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and implementing the reconstruction plan.
Furthermore, Akhannouch reiterated Morocco’s commitment, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, to defend holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, through Moroccan diplomacy and the Al-Quds Fund, which implements vital projects in the city.
In conclusion, Akhannouch expressed the Kingdom’s solidarity with sisterly countries such as Qatar, Syria, and Lebanon, and called for peaceful solutions to the crises in Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, while emphasizing respect for their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
