In a speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the Sovereign's accession to the Throne, the Monarch underlined that this has been a difficult situation for all, adding that he feels the pain of Moroccans.

"This has been a difficult situation for all of us, for me and my family, as for all citizens. Indeed, when I see Moroccans suffer, I, too, feel their pain and experience the same feelings, the Sovereign said.

"Although the epidemic has adversely impacted the country’s economic projects and activities and has affected the material and social conditions of many citizens, I have sought to come up with solutions to reduce the effects of the crisis," noted HM the King, who reiterated his thanks to the entire staff working in the health sector - in the public, private and military sectors - and to the security forces and public authorities for the dedication and keen spirit of responsibility they have shown in confronting the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Sovereign recalled in this regard the various initiatives undertaken since the outbreak of the pandemic, including setting up a special fund to mitigate the effects of the crisis - an initiative which was spontaneously embraced by the citizens -, the launch of an ambitious plan to boost economy by providing support to the small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the crisis, and to preserve jobs as well as the purchasing power of households through direct material assistance and the creation of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund to promote productive activities, and also to accompany and finance various investment projects.

"We have every right, today, to celebrate Morocco’s achievements in the "battle for vaccines" - which is far from being an easy one - as well as the successful roll-out of the national vaccination campaign and the citizens’ massive engagement in it," HM the King pointed out.

"Since I believe medical autonomy to be a key element in the accomplishment of the country’s strategic security, I have launched a pilot project for the manufacturing, in Morocco, of vaccines, medicines and the necessary medical materials," the Monarch added.