RABAT — King Mohammed VI of Morocco celebrated the 25th anniversary of his accession to the throne on Tuesday, expressing pride and gratitude for the nation’s achievements and the challenges ahead in a speech delivered to the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the last 25 years have seen significant political and institutional reforms that have helped consolidate Morocco’s identity and strengthen its international standing. “We give thanks to God for the many achievements that we have accumulated over these years and for the multiple achievements that we have accomplished in terms of political and institutional reforms and with regard to the consolidation of Moroccan identity,” he stated during his Throne Day speech in Rabat.
King Mohammed VI highlighted the numerous economic, developmental, and social programs initiated under his reign aimed at enhancing social cohesion and ensuring broad access to essential services for all Moroccans. He also emphasized his efforts in maintaining the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing its role on the global stage as a responsible and influential actor.
Despite these successes, the King acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in managing the country’s water resources amidst persistent drought and climate change impacts. “This situation is also attributable to the delay in the completion of certain projects programmed within the framework of the water policy,” he noted, adding that his government has directed urgent and innovative actions to prevent water shortages.
The Moroccan monarch underscored the critical need for the effective implementation of the National Program for the Supply of Drinking Water and Irrigation 2020-2027, which aims to mitigate severe water shortages and cover at least 80% of the nation’s irrigation needs. He called for the acceleration of major water infrastructure projects, including dam constructions and water transfer projects between hydraulic basins, to better manage the national water resources.
King Mohammed VI also announced initiatives to develop a national water desalination industry, which includes training specialized engineers and technicians and fostering national companies dedicated to the construction and maintenance of desalination plants. “By 2030, Morocco will be able to cover more than half of its drinking water needs from these stations, irrigate significant agricultural areas and in this way strengthen its food security,” he projected.
The speech concluded with a tribute to his predecessors, the late Mohammed V and Hassan II, whom he credited as foundational figures in the establishment of modern, independent Morocco. Mohammed VI officially succeeded his father, Hassan II, on July 30, 1999, shortly after his passing, continuing the legacy of leadership that dates back to his grandfather’s era.