DIPLOMACY
Guardiola vows to speak up for victims of global conflicts
Pep Guardiola said he will continue to use his platform as Manchester City manager to speak up for victims of global conflicts and violence.
Guardiola was speaking at a pre‑match press conference ahead of City’s League Cup semifinal second leg against Newcastle United, five days after he voiced support for children in the occupied Palestinian territories at a charity concert in Barcelona.
“Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes watching more clearly than now,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday in Manchester.
“The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened in Russia, what happened all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere,” he said, referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
“What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It’s our problems as human beings. It’s our problems.”
He said society must work collectively to improve.
“Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed. Tell me how you can defend that,” Guardiola said. The fatal shootings of the two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents sparked widespread protests in the United States.
“When I see the images, I am sorry it hurts. That is why in every position I can help speak up to be a better society, I will try and will be there. All the time. It is for my kids, my family, and for you.
“There is no perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, we have to work to be better.”
-Reuters
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DIPLOMACY
EU Commends King Mohammed VI’s Role in Promoting Middle East Peace

The European Union has commended the role of King Mohammed VI of Morocco in efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, highlighting his leadership as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee and his contribution to the search for a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a joint statement issued after the 15th session of the Morocco–EU Association Council held in Brussels, the EU expressed clear support for the work of the Al-Quds Committee and praised the Moroccan monarch as a champion of peace and a credible, trusted actor in advancing a two-state solution to the conflict.
The statement also underscored Morocco’s constructive and forward-looking role in regional cooperation initiatives. Discussions during the Council session focused on key developments in the shared neighbourhood between Morocco and the EU, with particular attention given to the initiative for the benefit of the African Atlantic countries.
Launched by King Mohammed VI in 2022, the African Atlantic Initiative brings together 23 African countries with Atlantic coastlines. The project seeks to structure the African-Atlantic space as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, to enhance regional stability, fostering shared development, and promoting deeper economic integration.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the political dialogue held during the Association Council meeting reaffirmed the relevance of the King’s strategic vision and Morocco’s growing role as a central actor in promoting peace, stability and shared development across its region.
The Morocco–EU Association Council was co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the European Union’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas.
The session also featured the participation of the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šujka, alongside several European foreign ministers, including those of Spain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Malta, as well as senior representatives from all EU member states.
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DIPLOMACY
Boudchichiya Sheikh Reaffirms Loyalty to King Mohammed VI

Coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the passing of the renowned renewer of Sufi practice, the late Sheikh Hamza bin Abbas al-Qadiri al-Boudchichi, the Sheikh of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order, Dr Moulay Mounir al-Qadiri Boudchichi, has sent a message of support, loyalty and endorsement to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Commander of the Faithful.
In a message issued on behalf of the followers of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order in Morocco and across the world, Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi expressed profound gratitude, love and allegiance to the Moroccan monarch, praising his steadfast commitment to the promotion of moderate Sunni Sufism as a cornerstone of spiritual harmony and social stability.
Speaking to the press, the Sheikh described the anniversary as a significant spiritual moment and an opportunity to acknowledge the continuous royal care and high patronage extended by King Mohammed VI to Sufism rooted in moderation, balance and openness.
“This spiritual commemoration allows us to express our deep appreciation for the constant support that His Majesty has granted to moderate Sunni Sufism, which plays a vital role in reinforcing the values of spiritual peace, social equilibrium and human coexistence,” Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi said.
He added that the followers and adherents of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order, both within Morocco and in the diaspora—particularly in Europe—are united in reaffirming their unwavering support for the King’s efforts to advance Morocco’s development and enhance its spiritual and cultural influence at regional and international levels.
The Sheikh also commended King Mohammed VI’s pioneering role as Commander of the Faithful in strengthening the institution as a guarantor of religious and doctrinal unity, a safeguard of moderation and tolerance, and a global advocate for intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
According to Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi, these royal efforts have positioned the Moroccan religious experience as a model admired and emulated worldwide.
He further noted that the message reflects the deep spiritual and historical bond between the Qadiriyya-Boudchichiyya Sufi Order and the Alawite Throne, reaffirming the order’s enduring commitment to serving Morocco’s religious and national values under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whom he prayed God would preserve and grant continued success.
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DIPLOMACY
Morocco, Senegal Reaffirm Commitment to Deepen Bilateral Partnership

Morocco and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high-level talks held in Rabat on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, met with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who is in the kingdom on a working visit as part of activities marking the 15th session of the High Joint Commission for the Moroccan-Senegalese Partnership.
The meeting was attended by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, as well as the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Senegal, Hassan Ennassiri.

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed the shared determination of Morocco and Senegal to elevate their bilateral relations to multidimensional levels, in line with the vision and aspirations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The two delegations stressed their countries’ continued adherence to the values of brotherhood, solidarity and mutual respect that have long underpinned relations between Rabat and Dakar, particularly in service of the broader African continent.
They also praised the contributions of the Moroccan community in Senegal and the Senegalese community in Morocco in strengthening people-to-people ties and enriching the partnership between the two nations.
Akhannouch highlighted the depth of the human, religious and economic bonds linking Morocco and Senegal, noting in particular the eight official visits paid to Senegal by King Mohammed VI. He further commended Senegal’s strategic role in supporting Morocco’s Royal Initiatives for Africa, especially the initiative aimed at improving Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the progress achieved in recent years, including increased ministerial exchanges, the strengthening of the legal framework governing bilateral cooperation, and the consolidation of economic partnerships and investment flows since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office.
Officials from both countries agreed that the 15th session of the High Joint Commission offers a significant platform to further expand sectoral cooperation through the implementation of structured projects in key areas such as agriculture, energy, trade, the digital economy and other priority sectors.
The talks underscored Morocco and Senegal’s shared ambition to build a resilient and forward-looking partnership capable of contributing meaningfully to regional integration and sustainable development across Africa.
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