RABAT: His Majesty King Mohammed VI, alongside HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, presided over the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the 11th Parliament in Rabat last Friday. During the session, the King delivered a significant speech highlighting the advancements in the Moroccan Sahara issue and the broad international support for the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty. According to Ghana News Agency, the King's speech outlined the strategic developments in the Moroccan Sahara, emphasizing its central role in Morocco's continental initiatives. These initiatives include the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline and the Royal Initiative aimed at enhancing access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries. The King also noted significant international backing, with 164 out of 193 UN member states not recognizing the separatist entity, showcasing substantial global support for Morocco's stance. The speech further highlighted the success of Morocco's diplomatic strategies, with 28 countries and one regional organization opening consulates in the Sahara region cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. This move signifies a robust endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty. In Europe, the majority of EU member countries now support the autonomy initiative, marking a remarkable shift in international perspectives regarding this longstanding regional conflict. Particularly notable was the King's acknowledgment of France's pivotal role in supporting the Moroccan Sahara's autonomy. The King expressed profound gratitude towards French President Emmanuel Macron for his clear backing, which aligns with Morocco's strategic interests and helps reinforce the bilateral relations between the two nations. France's support is seen as a crucial element in the international acceptance of the Autonomy Initiative as the foundation for resolving the regional conflict. The King concluded his address by urging all national stakeholders, including diplomatic and political entities, to intensify their efforts in promoting Morocco's justified position on the Sahara issue. He called for increased vigilance and mobilization to secure and maintain the country's strategic interests globally.