King Mohammed VI Throne Day Speech, 29 Jul 2025 — 26th anniversary of accession (Tetouan; English translation of Arabic original)

Dear Citizens,

Throne Day celebrations provide an annual opportunity to renew the bonds of mutual allegiance and the feelings of affection and loyalty which have invariably united us, and which grow stronger as time goes by.

Since my accession to the throne, I have worked to build an advanced, unified and solidarity-based Morocco. To this end, I have sought to promote comprehensive economic and human development, making sure Morocco enhances its status as an emerging country.

Our country's achievements were not by accident. They are the result of a long-term vision, of the pertinence of the major development choices made, and of the political and institutional security and stability enjoyed by our country.

An emerging country, Morocco is today characterized by the vast, diversified array of its partners. In addition to promoting investment, Morocco is a responsible, dependable partner. As a result, our economy is today linked to nearly three billion consumers worldwide, thanks to the free trade agreements we signed.

The results of the 2024 General Population Census revealed a set of demographic, social, and regional changes that should be taken into account when preparing and implementing public policies. There has been, for example, a significant decline in our country's overall multidimensional poverty rate, which went down from 11.9 percent in 2014 to 6.8 percent in 2024.

Sadly, however, some regions — particularly in rural areas — are still suffering from poverty and vulnerability, due to a lack of infrastructure and basic facilities. This is not in line with my vision for Morocco today, nor does it fit in with our efforts to promote social development and achieve inter-regional equity.

**It is not acceptable for Morocco — today or at any time in the future — to be a two-speed country.**

The time has come to achieve a quantum leap in our comprehensive rehabilitation efforts at the local level, and to bridge social and regional disparities. I therefore call for a shift from traditional approaches to social development, to an approach that promotes integrated regional development.

In addition to the commitment to consolidate Morocco's status as an emerging country, I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment, especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria.

My position, as the King of Morocco, is as clear as it is consistent: **the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people.** The bonds of language, religion, geography, and a common destiny unite us. Therefore, I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria and said Morocco was ready for frank, responsible, fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending between the two countries.

I also affirm my commitment to the Maghreb Union. I firmly believe that it cannot exist without the involvement of Morocco and Algeria, alongside the remaining sister countries concerned.

On a different note, I am proud of the growing international support for the Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara. In this regard, I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to our friends, the United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic, for their constructive position in support of the Autonomy Initiative within the framework of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara.

As proud as I am of these stances, which uphold right and legitimacy, **I keenly look forward, as well, to finding a consensual solution — a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties.**

Almighty God says: "Let them adore the Lord of this House, Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear." True is the Word of God.