Ouarzazate – HM King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, received, Monday in the southern city of Ouarzazate, the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.During this audience, HM the King hailed the traditional strategic partnership between the two friendly countries, strengthened since the mid-nineties, and marked in particular by a regular, diversified political dialogue, structured economic ties and reinforced cooperation to promote regional peace and security.

The Monarch also voiced commitment to promoting these important achievements with US President Barack Obama, and expressed his high appreciation for the committed, constructive role played by the US administration in various parts of the world, building on an approach based on dialogue, consultation and mutual respect.

In this regard, the Sovereign underlined Morocco’s determination to promote political stability, economic integration and human development in the Maghreb region for the benefit of its five brotherly peoples and all its partners.

In this regard, HM the King reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to reaching a final political solution to the artificial regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, within the framework of the Moroccan autonomy initiative.

As for the Middle East, the Monarch expressed support for efforts made by President Obama for the resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians on comprehensive and sustainable bases.

HM the king renewed Morocco’s commitment to working, in a spirit of responsibility and constructively, to achieve peace in this region, through the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and living side by side with Israel in peace and harmony.

The Sovereign, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, voiced deep concern about and condemnation of the illegal and dangerous Israeli acts in this Holy City, particularly in the Mosques’ esplanade.

Mrs. Clinton was accompanied during this audience by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, and the U.S. ambassador in Rabat, Samuel L. Kaplan.

The audience was attended by Morocco’s Prime Minister, Abbas El Fassi, and Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri. MAP

HM the King receives Hillary Clinton