Morocco and the United Nations: a foreign policy approach based on international respect

On the occasion of the 82nd session of the Institute of International Law, the Moroccan monarch, Mohammed VI, emphasised that Morocco's foreign policy approach is based on international respect, respect for and compliance with human rights, and is fully in line with the United Nations.

In a message read by the president of the Institute of International Law, Mohamed Bennouna, the King pointed out that ‘there is no viable order without rules and that for global development we must move away from isolation’. Mohammed VI stated that the international laws governing the legal system in the vast majority of countries ‘are not a mere power game’ but ‘are based on the pursuit of values, agreed principles and institutions with the capacity to structure international cooperation’. 

In this context, the King presented himself as a staunch advocate of peaceful resolutions to conflicts and disputes. He made special reference to his Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, proposed in 2007 and widely supported by more than 120 countries around the world, including Western powers such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.

During his message, the monarch took the opportunity to congratulate the Institute of International Law on winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1904, which he referred to as ‘recognition of a masterful work in the service of international law’.

Mohammed VI also alluded to the Institute's good work since its creation in 1873 with regard to humanitarian crises, global economic crises, pandemics and as an important player in conflict resolution. The monarch concluded by sending a message to Europe in which he expressed his hope that ‘Rabat will be a melting pot of exchange and that Morocco's representation at such an important congress will restore international law to its rightful place’.