U.N. counts on Morocco's attachment to U.N. world peace mission, Annan says

"I know I can continue to count on Morocco's attachment to our world mission of peace in the richest sense of this term," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said.

In a message of congratulations to King Hassan II on the occasion of the Throne Day (March 3), which marks this year the 38th anniversary of the king's enthronement, Annan said most of the problems that the world is currently facing --whether regarding poverty, flagrant inequalities, environment degradation, drug trafficking, disease or arms proliferation-- have an international dimension.

In order to struggle against these threats and benefit from the advantages of globalization, the countries should, more than ever, work in close cooperation to the settlement of these problems, Annan said.

Through its legitimacy and universality, the United Nations organization is capable, more than anyone else, to help the nations of the world to address in a global and integrated manner the problems they face, he said.

"In this undertaking, I know that I can continue to count on Morocco's attachment to our world mission of peace in the richest sense of the term," The U.N. chief said.