Cote d'Ivoire's president hails late King Hassan II's efforts for territorial integrity
President Henri Konan Bedie of Cote D'Ivoire hailed as "considerable" the work made by late King Hassan II to consolidate Morocco's independence and highlighted the Green March initiated by the late sovereign to recover the southern provinces.
President Bedie, who was receiving the credentials of Morocco's new ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Mohamed Hama, also hailed the "much admired" action of the late sovereign in Cote d'Ivoire, recalling that in 1963, King Hassan II was among the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and among those who paved the way for Africa's unity.
He also paid tribute to the late King Hassan II for his outstanding role in favor of peace in several conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.
President Bedie called the demise of King Hassan II "a terrible loss" that bereaved the Moroccan people and that was deeply deplored by the Ivorian people for whom he was "a faithful and reliable brother."
He also hailed the great personal qualities of King Mohammed VI who will, he said, carry on the considerable work undertaken by his father, pledging that Cote D'ivoire would back the new Moroccan sovereign in all circumstances.
The Ivorian head of state described as "excellent" the relations existing between the two countries and voiced resolve to further consolidate bilateral cooperation and to implement the cooperation accords signed in Abidjan during the latest session of the Moroccan-Ivorian joint commission.
