“I say ‘actual implementation' because theorizing and theoretical approaches seem to predominate in the Arab world at the expense of concrete action, so much so that unity - in the absence of a practical strategy - can become a mere slogan, a mirage,” stressed the king in a message to the Arab Economic and Social Summit held in Kuwait on January 19-20.

He thus called for the formulation of an Arab development roadmap, with binding objectives and mechanisms.

“This is all the more relevant as our countries have all the ingredients needed to achieve this objective, including solid, deep-seated spiritual, civilisational and cultural bonds, distinct geo-strategic locations and complementary human and natural resources which are yet to be optimally tapped, he underlined.

Highlighting the importance of Arab unity, King Mohammed VI also called on the Arab countries to work hard to bring about a climate conducive to dialogue, transparency and sincerity, by ensuring healthy inter-Arab relations, and by taking action to overcome passing disagreements – which have now become chronic – as well as artificial conflicts.

“Our shared objective should be to build a regional Arab order based on solidarity, complementarity and integration; an order in which the unity of Arab States and their intrinsic national values and principles are respected,” he pointed out.

In this respect, the sovereign proposed three pillars to build on: bringing about an Arab environment marked by cooperation and solidarity, activating the customs union and of the Arab Free Trade Agreement, as a step towards establishing an Arab common market, and creating an investment-friendly environment

The Arab world should “overcome tendencies towards partition, resolve artificial disputes, reject self-centred economic policies that are restricted to the immediate environment, and take into account the inevitability of building integrated regional groupings,” he stressed.

As to the Gaza crisis, HM king Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco's “unwavering commitment to support the steadfast Palestinian people and to show concrete solidarity with the Palestinians, condemning condemn, in the strongest terms, the brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.”

He thus called for confronting the situation with a common will and a collective vision based on earnest, efficient action aimed at ending the aggression and the occupation, rejecting violence and lifting the unjust siege.