"I urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to take firm action and remedy the problematic situation in some consulates," HM the King said, on Thursday, in a speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the sovereign's accession to the Throne of his Glorious Ancestors.

 HM the King reaffirmed that he takes "a keen interest in the situation of Moroccan citizens living abroad, trying to strengthen their commitment to their identity and to get them involved in the nation’s development process."

 The sovereign said that "during my visits abroad and when meeting here with members of our community living abroad, I was able to have a clear idea about their true concerns and legitimate ambitions."

 "I used to think that they only had difficulties while in Morocco. As it turned out, many of them also complained about the way they were treated on the premises of Moroccan consulates," the monarch noted.

 "There are consuls - not a majority thank God - who neglect the mission they are entrusted with and focus on personal and political issues," HM the King said.

 The sovereign added that several members of this community expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment they were subjected to in some consulates and complained about the poor services provided, both in terms of quality and deadline, and about administrative obstacles.

 HM the King underscored that those found to be guilty of neglecting their duties, flouting the interests of the Moroccan community abroad or mistreating its members should be dismissed, stressing that consuls should be selected carefully, on the basis of competence, responsibility and commitment to serving our citizens abroad.

 The members of our community abroad are deeply upset when they compare the way they are treated inside Moroccan consulates with the quality of service provided by administrative and social departments in the host countries, said the monarch.

 "Their requests may not be met, but at least they should be received and treated with respect and courtesy," HM the King reaffirmed.

 In any event, communication and interaction should be improved and services made more readily available to citizens, while procedures should be simplified and upgraded, and human rights and dignity preserved, the sovereign insisted.

 "As for the problems the members of this community endure when they return home, I insist that anyone who tampers with their interests or takes advantage of their situation should be firmly sanctioned," HM the King said.

 Despite all the difficulties they face, it is gratifying to see that the number of Moroccans visiting their home country every year is on the rise, the sovereign said.