By Edward Acquah, GNA Special Correspondent
Rabat, Oct. 29, GNA- French President Emmanuel Macron has applauded Morocco for its promotion of “tolerant Islam” during the 25-year reign of King Mohammed VI.
Speaking to a joint session of Morocco’s Parliament during his State visit, he emphasised that the country’s commitment to tolerance served as a challenge to all forms of extremism.
“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” Mr Macron said,
He added that Morocco’s actions are “even more precious and worthy of respect at a time when our world is torn apart by intolerance and war.”
Mr. Macron called for the establishment of new partnerships between Rabat and Paris by mobilizing all economic, technological, academic, and artistic resources.
He expressed the belief that strengthening the partnership between the two countries was crucial for building expertise to address global challenges.
The French President noted that the current times demanded an exceptional partnership between France and Morocco, especially in an international landscape undergoing rapid transformation.
He highlighted the importance of energy transition and combating global warming, areas where he thought both Morocco and France had made significant contributions on the international stage.
Mr Macron commended Morocco’s “resolute action” regarding water management and adaptation, acknowledging the country’s initiatives on water highways and seawater desalination to ensure access to drinking water and sustainable irrigation.
“I believe that few countries have taken up this challenge with such ardour and innovation,” he said.
During discussions at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Monday night, Mr Macron and King Mohammed VI called for an immediate cessation of attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.
A statement from the Royal Office said that both leaders stressed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of adequate humanitarian aid.
“The Sovereign and the French President recalled the urgent need to reactivate the peace process, within the framework of a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian State on the June 4, 1967, border, with East Jerusalem as its Capital,” The Palace said.
President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived at Rabat-Salé Airport on Monday afternoon to kick off their three-day visit to Morocco from October 28 to October 30, 2024, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.
The invitation followed Paris’s announcement of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara earlier this July.
GNA