"As far as firmness is concerned, and being a responsible partner that honors its international obligations, Morocco will do whatever it takes to defend its best interests," said the sovereign in a speech to the Nation, on Thursday, on the occasion of the Throne Day.

 HM the King underlined that the ensuing developments concerning this issue at the level of the United Nations and at domestic level proved us right. "By the grace of the Almighty, we shall start implementing the advanced regionalization scheme as well as the development model for the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces," the sovereign added.

 However, this does not mean the case has been closed. Indeed, we all need to remain vigilant and mobilized to thwart the schemes and plots of our adversaries and counter whatever deviation there may be from the UN settlement process, HM the King stressed.

 The monarch recalled that, as regards the question of our territorial unity, "I clearly and unequivocally spelled out, in the speech marking the Green March anniversary, the reference framework and guiding principles for dealing with the Moroccan Sahara issue, both domestically and at the international level."

 "Whereas our domestic policy is designed to serve the citizens, the objective of our foreign policy is to safeguard the nation’s best interests," HM the King noted, adding that "we have sought to revisit the basic policy and work methods of our diplomatic services while remaining committed to the nation’s immutable values which underpin our country’s foreign relations, namely firmness, solidarity and credibility."

 This approach is dictated by the level of development and maturity achieved by the Moroccan model and is in response not only to the sweeping changes occurring at regional and international levels, but also to the need to make the most of the opportunities offered and rise to challenges, said the Monarch.

 HM the King noted that, as regards solidarity, Morocco’s strategic diplomacy is aimed at promoting active South-South cooperation, especially with African sister nations.