In a speech on the occasion of his election to the presidency of the House of Advisors, Mr. Ould Errachid recalled that His Majesty the King underlined the active role that falls to parliamentary diplomacy to garner more recognition in favor of Moroccan identity of the Sahara and to broaden support for the Autonomy Initiative, the only solution to this regional dispute.
In this sense, he highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening Morocco’s position at the regional and international levels, and the defense of the interests of the Kingdom, noting that the national cause is at the top of the priorities in the framework of the action plan of the House of Advisors, the objective being to consolidate the achievements accumulated by Morocco thanks to the personal involvement and constant monitoring of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help him.
“This requires acting, each from their position, within the different forums and parliamentary bodies, to defend and make known the justness of our national cause, on the basis of the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, which is the only solution to resolve the issue of the Moroccan Sahara,” he said.
The President of the House of Advisors also welcomed “the position of the French Republic and its clear support for the issue of our territorial integrity, which position makes prevail the good law, legitimacy and justice of the national question”, welcoming the growing support provided by the Kingdom’s partners throughout the world, in the wake of the process carried out under the exclusive aegis of the United Nations for the settlement of this issue, by recognizing the historic and legitimate rights of Morocco over the southern provinces and the global development dynamics experienced this integral part of the national territory.
Mr. Ould Errachid, in this regard, called on the members of the House of Advisors to “support this dynamic and to raise Morocco’s voice loudly in international forums, to consolidate the radiant image of our institution, faithful in this respect to our parliamentary history and the centuries-old history of the Moroccan State, which extends over more than 12 centuries, within the framework of strong cohesion between the throne and the people.”
Mohamed Ould Errachid, of the Istiqlal Party, was elected president of the House of Advisors for the second half of the 2021-2027 legislature, during a plenary session held on Saturday.
This session was held under the chairmanship of the president of the provisional office of the House of Advisors, Mahmoud Archane, in accordance with article 63 of the Constitution. The sole candidate of the government majority, Mr. Ould Errachid obtained 94 votes out of a total of 104 votes cast, while 10 ballots were canceled. He succeeds in this position to Mr. Naam Mayara, who chaired the House of Councilors during the period 2021-2024.
What is the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations, particularly for Morocco?
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Thank you for joining us today. We have with us Mr. Ould Errachid, the newly elected President of the House of Advisors. Mr. Ould Errachid, your recent speech emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing Morocco’s national interests, particularly regarding the Moroccan Sahara. Can you elaborate on what parliamentary diplomacy entails and how it can enhance Morocco’s position in this issue?
Mr. Ould Errachid: Thank you for having me. Parliamentary diplomacy involves the active engagement of our parliamentary representatives in different international forums to advocate for Morocco’s interests, especially concerning the Moroccan Sahara. This means that each member of our parliamentary body has a role to play in diplomatically discussing and promoting the autonomy plan within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Our goal is not just to defend our position but to actively garner support for the legitimacy of our claims on international platforms.
Interviewer: You mentioned the Autonomy Initiative as the sole solution to the Sahara dispute. Can you explain why you believe this initiative is crucial and how it aims to achieve long-term peace in the region?
Mr. Ould Errachid: Absolutely. The Autonomy Initiative underscores Morocco’s commitment to a peaceful resolution that respects our national integrity while allowing for local governance within a broader Moroccan framework. This initiative promotes stability, development, and respect for the diverse identities within the region. We believe that by working towards autonomy, we can foster a climate where dialog prevails, rather than conflict. The initiative has been crafted to align with international standards for autonomy, ensuring that the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected.
Interviewer: You also mentioned the importance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s involvement in these efforts. In what ways has his leadership impacted the action plan of the House of Advisors regarding this issue?
Mr. Ould Errachid: King Mohammed VI’s consistent dedication and involvement have been crucial. His personal engagement provides us with the guidance and commitment necessary to pursue the national cause as a priority. His Majesty has always emphasized the need for unity in defense of our territorial integrity, which inspires us to mobilize our resources effectively and strategically. The King’s vision acts as a framework for our actions and reinforces our resolve in international discussions.
Interviewer: During your speech, you acknowledged the supportive stance of the French Republic regarding Morocco’s territorial integrity. How significant is international support in diplomatic efforts, and what steps will Morocco take to enhance these alliances?
Mr. Ould Errachid: International support is vital in today’s geopolitical landscape. It legitimizes our claims and provides a foundation for further cooperation. To enhance these alliances, we will actively seek to build strong bilateral and multilateral relationships. Our diplomats and parliamentarians will work closely with international partners to ensure they understand not only the legal but also the moral imperatives of our cause. Strengthening our alliances will also involve participating in forums where these discussions can take place, making our case known through clear, compelling narratives.
Interviewer: Mr. Ould Errachid, thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that parliamentary diplomacy plays a crucial role in Morocco’s national strategy. We look forward to seeing how your leadership will impact the ongoing dialog regarding the Moroccan Sahara.
Mr. Ould Errachid: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. Transparency and advocacy are key to our efforts, and I appreciate your commitment to reporting on these critical developments.