"This tragedy has shown that authentic Moroccan values have prevailed. They have enabled our country to overcome adversity and crises, again making us not only stronger, but also more determined to forge ahead, with unwavering confidence and optimism," said the Sovereign in a speech to Parliament on the occasion of the opening, Friday, of the first session of the third legislative year of the 11th Parliament.
His Majesty the King noted that this “is the spirit and those are the lofty values ingrained in our DNA. We see them as the cornerstone of our unity and of the cohesion of Moroccan society”.
“These rallying national values are enshrined in the Kingdom's Constitution. They apply to and are embodied by all the components of our authentic Moroccan identity and are also fully in line with universal values,” pointed out HM the king.
More specifically, the Sovereign emphasized the founding values of a unified national identity: firstly, Religious and spiritual values, at the forefront of which are the values of Maliki Sunni Islam, which is based on the Commandership of the Faithful, and which calls for moderation, openness to others, tolerance and inter-faith, intercultural coexistence.
This is what makes Morocco a model of coexistence between Moroccans, Muslims and Jews alike, said HM the king, adding that: “Ours is a country in which other faiths and cultures are duly respected”.
Secondly, His Majesty the King referred to the national values that form the bedrock of the Moroccan nation, and of which the Monarchy is the keystone.
“The national values underpinning the Moroccan nation, and which are based on the monarchy. The latter is unanimously supported by all Moroccans; it brings together all components of the Moroccan people. Its pillar is the strong cohesion and the mutual allegiance - Bei’a - between the throne and the people,” stressed HM the king.
“The values of solidarity and social cohesion between groups, generations and regions; this makes Moroccan society closely-knit, with different segments supporting and reinforcing one another,” the Sovereign emphasized.
In this respect, His Majesty the King stressed the need “for continued adherence to these values because they consolidate our national unity and family cohesion; they also preserve human dignity and enhance social justice.”
“This is all the more necessary, given the profound and rapid shifts which are at work in the world today, and which have led to a noticeable decline in the value system. In fact, values are sometimes abandoned altogether,” added the Sovereign.
In the same context, His Majesty the King noted that “earthquakes cause destruction, but we intend to rehabilitate and rebuild the devastated areas”.
“I therefore stress the need to continue providing assistance to the stricken families, to speed up rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected areas, and to make sure basic services are available,” underlined HM the king.
“Beyond the horrific nature of the tragedy, what alleviates our suffering and, indeed, makes us proud, is the reaction of civil society and of all Moroccans - in the homeland and abroad - who have shown heartfelt, spontaneous solidarity with their afflicted brothers and sisters,” stressed the Sovereign.
His Majesty the King also commended the Royal Armed Forces, the various emergency and security agencies, government authorities and local governments for the sacrifices they have been making to rescue and assist the people living in the stricken regions.
“I should like to reiterate my thanks to our friends and to sister nations that showed solidarity with the Moroccan people and stood by us during those painful circumstances,” said the Sovereign.