King commends da Silva's 'strong commitment' for just causes triumph

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Friday commended what he described as a "strong commitment" of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's strong commitment for the triumph of just causes, during an Exchange of Toasts at a lunch hosted in his honour.

"I wish to commend the bold decisions you have made to achieve this objective, as well as the innovative character of your proposal for the setting up of a world Fund to fight poverty." the monarch added.

He underlined the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two countries recalling in this regard that the Kingdom of Morocco, under Sultan Moulay Slimane, was the first country to recognise Brazil's independence. "It is also the first in Africa to have established, as early as I884, diplomatic ties with your great nation."

For the monarch, "the strength of these relations stems from the cultural heritage that we share and from our common determination to stick to a course of action which seeks to make sustainable development and solidarity the cornerstone of any policy designed to reduce social disparities and eradicate illiteracy and marginalisation."

During this visit, part of a five-nation South American tour, King Mohammed VI and President da Silva will chair the signing of a package of agreements between the two countries.

In addition to the ministerial delegation, the monarch is accompanied by some 170 businessmen.