Nasser Bourita, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, said non-State armed groups threatening States have grown considerably, to now threaten the world’s maritime corridors and straits.  They are linked to terrorist organizations, criminal networks, and mercenary elements.

“They must, therefore, be dealt with firmly, and responsibility must be assigned to the States that sponsor, harbour, finance, arm, and provide them with safe haven and support.”

These groups, as well as their sponsors, cannot be allowed to become a means of evading accountability or a tool for carrying out what States cannot do directly, he said, calling for deterrent sanctions.

Climate action must also be prioritized, he said, as peace and sustainable development can only be sustained through effectively responding to climate change, which is already affecting water and food security, the stability of territories and economies, and the living conditions of populations, he said.

Morocco is making a national effort on climate action, he emphasized, noting the impact climate change has had on the African continent.  But addressing it requires broader actions, “the provision of affordable and accessible financing, technology transfer and genuine international solidarity”.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is of particular concern.  Palestine must have its own viable State for there to be peace in the Middle East.  Morocco has decided to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza.

He added that it is deeply concerned about unrest in the West Bank and repeated violations of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.