After successfully hosting the 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON), His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has said his country remains steadfast in its commitment to a united and prosperous Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates conveyed the king’s goodwill message in a statement on Thursday.
The 2025 AFCON finals took place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, a tournament widely acclaimed as a world-class event, with Senegal edging out the host to clinch the cup.
According to the statement, Morocco is proud to have offered, on its soil, a month of popular joy and sporting emotion, while contributing to the prominence of Africa and its football.
“The Kingdom of Morocco is and shall remain a great African country, faithful to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and mutual respect towards its continent.
“In accordance with the enlightened vision of the Sovereign, Morocco will further its resolute and steadfast commitment in favour of a united and prosperous Africa, notably through the mutual exchange of experiences, expertise and knowledge.
“Furthermore, in view of denigration and attempts at discrediting, His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, remains convinced that hostile schemes will never achieve their aims, and that the Moroccan people know how to balance matters and not be drawn into resentment and discord.
“Nothing will alter the closeness fostered over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built hand in hand with different countries of the continent, bolstered by ever-ambitious partnerships,” the ministry said.
The statement also conveyed the royal leader’s appreciation to Moroccan citizens who contributed in various ways to ensuring the success of the historic event.
He noted that the 35th edition of the continental competition will stand as a milestone, as beyond its sporting outcomes, it served as a gauge for the Kingdom’s major leap on the path to development and progress, “fruit of a long-term vision and a unique and efficient Moroccan model which puts the citizen at the heart of all ambition.”
“His Majesty the King particularly wishes to congratulate all citizens across various cities of the Kingdom for the efforts deployed, and to thank each and every one for their valuable contribution to this historic success, which has been acknowledged and acclaimed worldwide.
“The Sovereign also extends his congratulations to millions of Moroccan women, men and children who, in an exemplary manner and each in their own way, tirelessly supported their national team, currently ranked the 8th best national team in the world.
“Such a remarkable result is the fruit of a high-level proactive sports and infrastructure policy, as well as the patriotic choice made by talented youth of Moroccan expatriates to opt for the national team’s jersey and defend its colours with pride and gusto,” the statement added.
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