2024-04-25 08:35:14
Initiated by the University Institute of African, Euro-Mediterranean and Ibero-American Studies, under the Mohammed V University of Rabat and the “Rayonnement” Center for geopolitical and strategic studies, this forum was held under the theme “The Moroccan Sahara: a civilizational heritage and space of integration in the Afro-Atlantic zone, in accordance with the clairvoyant Royal Vision”.
Organized in partnership with the National School of Commerce and Management (ENCG) of Dakhla and the Council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, this forum aims to initiate an academic debate and initiate a prospective analysis on the geo-economic issues that are taking shape in this new geopolitical space, in which the southern provinces will constitute economic platforms which will have positive repercussions on a regional and continental scale.
Speaking on this occasion, the interim director of the University Institute of African, Euro-Mediterranean and Ibero-American Studies at the Mohammed V University of Rabat, Mohamed Dhafer Kettani, indicated that this forum constitutes an opportunity for participants, both experts and academics, to debate ways to support and strengthen the foundations of sustainable development in the Moroccan Sahara, through three main axes.
The first axis addresses the vital role that the Moroccan Sahara can play in the composition of the Afro-Atlantic space and the Sahel, due to its strategic position, which makes it a hub for economic development and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthen economic cooperation and regional integration, he explained.
The second axis concerns the geo-economic issues of development projects in the Moroccan Sahara within the framework of the Afro-Atlantic space, relating to the strengthening of infrastructures, the development of renewable energies, intelligent and sustainable agriculture, culture under greenhouse and sustainable tourism.
As for the third axis, continued Mr. Kettani, it concerns the geopolitical issues of the Atlantic space and the Sahel against a backdrop of multifaceted security risks, such as migration, cross-border security, terrorism and violent extremism, as well as as internal or regional conflicts, where cooperation is necessary to achieve peaceful solutions and promote dialogue and understanding between the different stakeholders.
For his part, the President of the Council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, El Khattat Yanja, stressed that this forum aims to highlight the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, in favor of development in the southern provinces of the Kingdom. in particular, and the African continent in general, notably the countries of sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of the Sahel.
For his part, the president of the “Rayonnement” Center for geopolitical and strategic studies, Mohamed El Kihel, noted that this meeting aims to highlight the “bold” and “proactive” Royal Initiative for the Atlantic, with dimensions economic, geopolitical and strategic, stressing that this initiative has restored the region to its historical role, given that the Moroccan Sahara has always been a fundamental determinant which constitutes the strategic depth of the Kingdom.
Mr. El Kihel explained that the role played by Morocco in its Afro-Atlantic space does not date from today, but is rather based on civilizational, cultural, religious and spiritual components, as well as on economic foundations, being given that Morocco, under the wise leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, is a pioneer country in terms of South-South cooperation.
For his part, the director of the Nigerian Center for Arab Studies, Lakhdar Abdoulbaki Mohamed, indicated that the holding of this forum constitutes an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing sub-Saharan African countries.
He also stressed that Morocco’s African policy is an “integrated policy” which includes aspects of economic, religious and cultural cooperation of each African country with the Kingdom, in accordance with the far-sighted and wise Vision of HM King Mohammed VI.
Mr. Abdelbaki Mohamed also welcomed the Atlantic Initiative, launched by Morocco under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, based on the fact that it is part of the royal vision of South-South cooperation, noting that this initiative will allow African countries to optimally exploit the resources and capacities at their disposal.
Likewise, he indicated that Morocco is an actor committed to the promotion of peace and stability in the region, welcoming the role that Morocco plays in the fight against terrorism in African countries, in favor of promotion of moderate Islam, through the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Morchidine and Morchidate Imams and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema.
The forum’s program includes a series of themes focused in particular on “The Moroccan Sahara, a fundamental determinant in the formation of the Afro-Atlantic space and the Sahel”, “The geo-economic issues of development projects in the Moroccan Sahara and the Atlantic space and the Sahel”, “The geopolitical issues of the Atlantic space of the Sahel in the face of security risks” and “Morocco’s relations with the countries of the Sahel”.
On the sidelines of this meeting, three cooperation agreements were signed between the “Rayonnement” Center for geopolitical and strategic studies, the ENCG of Dakhla, the Nigerian Center for Arab Studies and the Center for Research and Regional and International Studies at Chad.
2024-04-25 08:35:14