"Morocco played, plays and will undoubtedly continue to play a key role" in promoting the virtues of togetherness, the culture of mutual respect and tolerance in the world, Moratinos told MAP on the occasion of the glorious Throne Day.

In this context, he recalled that the Moroccan city of Fez hosted, in November 2022, the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, a first on African soil for this major event.

"We had the privilege, almost two years ago in Fez and for the first time in Africa, to hold the Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations," he lauded, stressing that this Forum was marked by a high-profile message addressed by HM King Mohammed VI to the participants.

The Royal message gave an overview of Morocco's contribution, throughout history, to promoting the values ​​of tolerance and togetherness, the UN official said, adding that enshrining the culture of coexistence is concretely manifested in Moroccan society and serves as a "model and reference for other initiatives at regional and international levels."

He underlined that the message addressed by HM the King to the Fez Forum was "a guide and a beacon to inspire the activities of the Alliance of Civilizations," adding that it allowed the Alliance to develop a whole strategy that will be presented at its next Forum, scheduled this year in Lisbon (Portugal).

According to Moratinos, the ultimate goal of this joint action is "to continue together with the key help and contribution" of Morocco, the efforts aimed at building a better world where the ideals of respect and coexistence prevail.