Speaker of House of Representatives Receives Dutch Parliamentary Delegation and Confirms, “Morocco is a Sovereign Country that Will not Allow Others to Meddle in its Internal Affairs”

Speaker of House of Representatives Habib El Malki received Monday, February 24^th, at the House’s Headquarters, Deputy Chairperson of Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation at the Dutch House of Representatives Hayke Veldman, currently on a working visit to Morocco alongside a delegation involving members of the committee.

At the beginning of the meeting, the House’s Speaker considered the visit of the Dutch delegation a contribution to advancing relations between both countries’ legislative institutions. He also lauded the long-standing historical ties linking Morocco and the Netherlands. In this respect, he said, “We should preserve the historical record of our relations to open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.”

Besides, Mr. El Malki noted that Europe is at a turning in its history following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, stressing that the focus on solving the continent’s problems is a priority to European countries. He also noted the various implications of this situation on the southern bank of the Mediterranean. Mr. El Malki added that “The Netherlands is one of the countries that founded the EU, and it is hence concerned more than others with this issue, which should be prioritized over issues of concern to other countries.”

Additionally, Mr. El Malki highlighted the unawareness of several Dutch parliamentarians of the actual political, human rights, economic, and social situation in the Kingdom, denouncing the subjectivity and prevail of electoral concerns for some of them. He also stressed that Morocco is a strategic partner for Europe that contributes to the preservation of its security and is a friendly country to all democratic countries that respect human rights. He added, “We believe in democratic dialogue, but Morocco is a sovereign country that will not allow others to meddle in its internal affairs. We, as parliamentarians, should all work together to restore confidence and solidify relations between the two countries.”

Also, Mr. El Malki reviewed the development projects in our country, noting the strategic orientation of the Kingdom towards implementing sustainable development using renewable energies, water management, introducing new reforms in agriculture, preserving forests, and fighting desertification. He also highlighted the efforts of Morocco in enhancing its business environment, which helped it move by seven points to the 53^rd position according to the latest report of the World Bank on business, compared to last year.

For his part, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation at the Dutch House of Representatives affirmed that his visit, alongside members of the committee, aims at consolidating bilateral relations between the two countries at the commercial level. He added, “We want to explore new horizons of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, and we want to partner with you on that.”

Mr. Hayke Veldman also lauded the significant development of Morocco in the business environment, noting the importance of bolstering confidence between the two countries to solidify relations between them.

Also, the members of the delegation expressed their admiration for the economic boom in Morocco, as well as the latter’s role in fighting terrorism and efforts in achieving sustainable development.

It should be noted that the meeting was attended by Dutch Ambassador to Morocco Désirée Bonis and Chairperson of the Productive Sectors Committee at the House of Representatives Said Chbaatou.