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Prominent British figures, including former ministers, lords, and former ambassadors, paid tribute on Thursday to the wise and visionary leadership and diplomacy of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which have enabled Morocco to consolidate its territorial integrity and strengthen its position as an emerging regional power.
Speaking to MAP at a high-level event jointly organized by the Embassy of Morocco in London and the Middle East Association (MEA) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Green March, these figures highlighted the progress achieved by Morocco since the Green March, culminating in the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
The Security Council’s decision crowns “an exceptional diplomacy” led by His Majesty the King, said Nicolas Hopton, Director-General of the MEA, which works to promote relations between the United Kingdom and countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
“His Majesty the King has shown exceptional leadership and great wisdom,” Hopton added, noting that the Sovereign “has led a strategic, patient, long-term diplomacy” that paved the way for the adoption of this historic resolution.
For his part, Lord Daniel Hannan of Kingsclere, a member of the UK House of Lords, praised the “patient approach” of Morocco’s diplomacy. “The territorial integrity of Morocco is now affirmed, and significant achievements will follow” from the UN resolution, he stressed.
Lord Hannan also highlighted the importance of the historic Royal Speech delivered following the adoption of Resolution 2797, stressing that the speech emphasized that “the time has come to extend a hand to those who wish to help build the future of a new Morocco.”
The resolution is “the culmination of a process that began 50 years ago with the Green March” and “establishes a sustainable roadmap for peace and prosperity across the region,” he said.
Sir Liam Fox, Chairman of Abraham Accords UK, echoed this view, noting that the resolution is a clear illustration of what “patient diplomacy” can achieve.
“The patient diplomacy led by His Majesty the King has been exemplary, tireless, and wise,” Sir Liam said. “This approach strengthened Morocco’s alliances while allowing the Kingdom to reach an important milestone.”
Turning to the future of Morocco-UK cooperation, the British figures noted that the two countries reached a new stage in June during the visit to Morocco by former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, which marked the growing importance of their strategic partnership.
The agreements signed in June represent the formal beginning of a new era in bilateral relations, Hopton said. The high-level meeting held Thursday provided “a thorough assessment of the current state of the Morocco–UK partnership,” he added.
“Although the situation is favorable, more efforts are required to ensure this partnership reaches its full potential,” Hopton emphasized, noting vast opportunities in commerce, industry, security, and culture.
The British figures also underscored the historical ties between the two kingdoms. Lord Hannan, a historian, noted that Morocco is “the second-oldest ally of the United Kingdom,” with a relationship spanning more than 800 years and extending across diplomatic, commercial, and military fields.
Today, major opportunities exist, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries, he noted, pointing to Morocco’s significant investments in modern infrastructure, including ports.
“These developments are drawing interest in the United Kingdom and require us to have the ambition to move forward,” Lord Hannan said. “In the post-Brexit context, “the UK is seeking reliable partners, and Morocco stands out as a priority given the opportunities it offers across key sectors,” he added.
Sir Liam Fox, former Secretary of State for International Trade, underlined Morocco’s role as a gateway to Africa.
“British and European policymakers need to better understand and value Morocco’s strategic continental position,” he stressed, highlighting Morocco’s leadership on the African continent since its return to the African Union in 2017, especially in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The vast free trade network that Morocco has with major economies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, strengthens the Kingdom’s position, Sir Liam noted, calling for stronger collaboration between Moroccan and British private sectors to seize the opportunities.
Source: map
