The Throne Day, which is much more than a moment of rejoicing, symbolizes the continued commitment of our nation towards prosperity and well-being,

while paying tribute to the progressive vision of our Sovereign. It reminds us of our unity, our stability, and our shared values of peace, mutual respect and tolerance. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the path traveled, while looking with hope and determination towards the challenges to be met and the opportunities that await us.

Since His accession to the Throne a quarter of a century ago now, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has engaged Morocco in an era of far-reaching reforms and accelerated modernization, while preserving its cultural diversity. These profound transformations affect all spheres of our society, breathing new dynamics into our democracy, our economy and our social cohesion, thus affirming our country's place on the world stage.

On the political level, the reforms have strengthened institutions, promoted transparency and consolidated the rule of law, thus enabling inclusive and participatory governance.

Economically, the Kingdom of Morocco has seen the launch and implementation of major structuring projects. From the modernization of our infrastructure such as highways, dams, ports and airports, high-speed railways, urban development (...), to the green revolution in the field of agriculture. Each initiative was guided by a long-term Royal vision, aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth. Tourism, industry, renewable energies and the service sector have also undergone major transformations, placing our economy among the most dynamic in the region. These areas have benefited from adapted sectoral policies, based on the qualification of human resources and the tangible and intangible development of each of the targeted sectors.

At the social level, the emphasis has been placed, with a firm desire for success and so far convincing results, on education, health, equal opportunities, poverty reduction and the establishment of renewed territorial governance, with ambitious programs aimed at reducing disparities, in all their forms and promoting a fairer society. The promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women are also priorities, with notable results in improving the lives of women and girls throughout the Kingdom. The National Initiative for Human Development testifies to this unwavering desire to build a Morocco, where every citizen has the opportunity to fully realize its potential.

At the international level, particularly in the current difficult context, which gives even more meaning to the duty of solidarity and good relations that should prevail between nations, Moroccan foreign policy, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is distinguished by its pragmatism, determination in defending national values and interests within the framework of a strategic Royal vision. It is based on principles of realism and moderation, aimed at establishing balanced and mutually beneficial relations with the nations of the world. This policy is driven by the Kingdom's active commitment to multilateralism and North-South and South-South cooperation, while being at the forefront of international efforts to address common and growing global challenges, including those related to peace, security, migration, the fight against terrorism and extremism in all their forms, climate change and sustainable development.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the excellent relations that unite Morocco and Bulgaria. Our two countries have deep historical and cultural ties, and this year marked a turning point in relations between the two brotherly countries. Indeed, the working visit to Rabat last January of H.E. Mrs. Mariya Gabriel, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was a key moment in strengthening our ties of friendship and cooperation, thanks in particular to the agreements that Mrs. Gabriel co-signed with her Moroccan counterpart, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and which opened new avenues of cooperation in key areas such as education, vocational training, higher education, scientific research, culture, communication, youth, and sports, reflecting our common desire to build a strong and sustainable win-win strategic partnership.

These initiatives are only the continuation of a richer and deeper collaboration, which will benefit not only our two peoples, but also our respective regions. The subsequent political consultations, which followed in February 2024, with the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) further underlined our common commitment to continue this path of close cooperation. We are determined to work together to explore new areas of collaboration and seize opportunities for growth and mutual development.

I am pleased to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the officials and executives of the MFA, through Your Excellences Mrs. Maria Anguelieva and Mrs. Nevyana Miteva, Deputy Ministers, for the accessibility policy and the open door of your Ministry.

On this day of celebration of the Throne Day, we look to the future with confidence and serenity. Inspired by the vision and determination of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, we continue our march towards an even more prosperous and influential Morocco on the regional and global stages, while cultivating strong and mutually respectful friendships, such as those we share with Bulgaria.