Morocco, Belgium reaffirm commitment to Libya's sovereignty, national unity

In a joint declaration issued on Monday in Rabat, Morocco and Belgium reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya.

This position was expressed in the Joint Declaration adopted during the 3rd meeting of the High Joint Commission for Morocco-Belgium partnership, co-chaired by Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

In this Declaration, the two Heads of Government reiterated the central role of the United Nations in facilitating an inclusive political process led by Libyans, resulting in the organization of presidential and legislative elections in Libya.

In this regard, the Belgian party welcomes Morocco's efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis, notably hosting, from May 22 to June 7, 2023, meetings of the Joint Commission (6+6), tasked with drafting Libyan electoral laws as part of the dialogue process initiated under the auspices of the United Nations.

Morocco and Belgium also share the same strategic objective of contributing to the strengthening of peace, security, and development in the Euro-African region, as stated in the Declaration, adding that both countries reaffirm their commitment to peace, security, and development for the benefit of the populations of the Sahel.

Taking into account the action of its partners, including the European Union, Belgium has adopted an Integrated Strategy for the Sahel region.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Morocco and Belgium, both condemning attacks against civilians, express strong concern about the situation in Gaza and call for an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

Both countries call for compliance with Security Council Resolution 2728 of March 25, 2024, while allowing unhindered access for humanitarian aid through all crossing points and throughout the Gaza Strip.

In this regard, Morocco and Belgium reject any attempt at forced displacement of civilian populations.

The two parties also affirm that the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, is the only way to achieve a lasting and equitable peace in the Middle East.

Reaffirming the paramount importance of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, both parties express their condemnation of any violation of these principles and the use of violence.

In this context, they express deep concern about the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the worsening global humanitarian, food, and energy crisis. Morocco and Belgium also reaffirmed the centrality of the historic and privileged partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the European Union and agreed to act to preserve the stability and continuity of the strategic partnership between Morocco and the EU.

They thus reiterated their commitment to contribute to strengthening this partnership at all levels, while continuing to work together within Mediterranean fora to promote sustainable development, peace, security, and stability in the region, notably through the Union for the Mediterranean.

Regarding regional issues, the two Heads of Government emphasized the constructive and positive roles of Morocco and Belgium in maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions.

In the context of their joint presence at the United Nations Human Rights Council, both countries reaffirmed their willingness to continue their efforts in promoting and defending human rights, to strengthen their consultation on issues related to the defense of human rights, and to explore the possibility of jointly organizing events within appropriate multilateral forums, as stated in the Joint Declaration.