WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ (MACP) -- At the inauguration of Malian President Ibrahim Boubakar Keïta, King Mohammed VI cited Morocco's and Mali's shared values of "tolerance and openness" and deep cultural and spiritual bonds, pledging Morocco's support for "this new chapter of Malian history." That support includes offering to train 500 Malian Imams using Morocco's moderate and tolerant form of Islam to help fight the spread of extremism within their communities. Mali held successful presidential elections this past July after a year-long takeover of the northern part of the country by extremist groups.
"The dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true," said King Mohammed VI, the only North African or Arab Head of State to join the ceremony. "In this new chapter of Malian history which is being written today, Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner." The King said, "Both countries embrace the same values of tolerance and openness to others, and this represents the bedrock of the spiritual bond between our two countries."
"Morocco will spare no effort to support Mali," said the King, in helping to rebuild Mali's war-torn economy and democratic institutions with human development programs, leadership training, basic infrastructure, assistance to reestablish business and commerce, and health services. The King noted Morocco "recently set up a multi-disciplinary military field hospital in Bamako," supported by medical and humanitarian emergency aid.
* For the full text of the King's remarks, go to: http://www.map.ma/en/activites-royales/full-text-speech-delivered-thursday-hm-king-mohammed-vi-inauguration-ceremony-mali
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SOURCE Moroccan American Center for Policy
