Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita took part on Friday in Essaouira in the proceedings of the World Forum of Women for Peace, held under the theme “Bringing diplomacy and civil society together to build peace”.
Speaking at the high-level panel devoted to bringing diplomacy and civil society together for peacebuilding, Bourita stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making shared memory a lever for dialogue and coexistence, in line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.
The minister highlighted the Sovereign’s unwavering commitment to Morocco’s identity plurality, as enshrined in the Constitution, which defines national identity as “enriched by and built upon its African, Andalusian, Hebrew and Mediterranean components”.
Stressing that peace is “a firm decision”, Bourita said that while governments may sign peace agreements, it is civil societies that make them endure. He advocated “positive” peace that heals memories and fears, going beyond the mere silence of weapons.
The minister also shared insights from his negotiating experience, emphasizing that “great History does not begin immediately with a peace treaty”, but with human contact, when “the Other ceases to be an abstraction”.
In this regard, he recalled the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two-State solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
He stressed that the Sovereign has elevated the Palestinian question to the rank of a National Cause, adding that dialogue, under the Royal vision, is neither an end in itself nor a blank check, but must serve a political horizon.
The minister also highlighted Morocco’s tangible humanitarian efforts through the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, which implements emergency aid programs, educational and healthcare projects, and solidarity initiatives benefiting the populations of Gaza and Jerusalem, reflecting the steadfastness of the Royal and national commitment to the Palestinian people.
Addressing Moroccan-French cooperation, Bourita welcomed the convergence between the two countries on peace in the Middle East, recalling the fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Rabat in May 2025, as well as France’s recognition of the State of Palestine on September 22, 2025.
Devoting part of his remarks to the role of women in peacebuilding, the minister regretted that, 25 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women account for only 16% of participants in UN peace processes. He stressed that their participation increases by 35% the likelihood that a peace agreement will last 15 years.
In this regard, he praised the commitment of the “Warriors of Peace,” calling for moderation to be made an act of courage, preparations for the “day after” to be undertaken, and women’s full participation in building lasting peace to be ensured.
- Source: MAP