During this meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Chancellery of the Kingdom, the ambassador of HM the King, Youssef Amrani, highlighted Morocco’s active role in promoting a stable, prosperous and inclusive, capable of promoting the socio-economic transformation of the entire region.
Mr. Amrani, in this context, particularly insisted on the Royal Initiative which places the Atlantic at the heart of the bold and innovative Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the African continent, on the basis of the principles of solidarity, cooperation and co-development.
Returning to the structuring projects implemented within the framework of this Initiative, the ambassador specified that these concrete actions aim to create an economic corridor linking Atlantic Africa to the northern and western hemispheres, in addition to promoting access for the countries of the Sahel. to this maritime space.
Referring to the importance of ensuring complementarity between the various initiatives aimed at building an enlarged Atlantic area, Mr. Amrani stressed that it is in this spirit that the Kingdom actively participates in the Atlantic Cooperation Partnership and co-chairs, with Spain and Angola, a working group on Marine Space Planning.
He concluded by recalling that for Morocco, the Atlantic constitutes a priority geostrategic zone, a vector of peace and sustainable development, which our joint efforts will make it possible to establish as an essential dynamic space on the international scene.
For her part, the American coordinator for Atlantic cooperation, Jessica Lapenn, first wanted to thank the Kingdom for its leadership and its commitment to promoting the Atlantic area.
The American diplomat thus invited member countries to work closely together to overcome “the similar challenges we face and seize the prospects for integrated development, likely to ensure the sustainability of the resources of the Atlantic Ocean for generations to come “.
The Atlantic Cooperation Partnership was launched on September 18, 2023, by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, as a multilateral forum that heralds a new era in regional cooperation. Since its launch, several high-level meetings have been held, notably allowing the adoption of the Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation and its Action Plan.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Youssef Amrani, Ambassador of HM the King of Morocco
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Mr. Amrani. Thank you for joining us today. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss Morocco’s active role in regional stability and economic transformation.
Youssef Amrani: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me! It’s an honor to share Morocco’s vision and initiatives aimed at enhancing socio-economic development across the region.
Editor: You’ve mentioned Morocco’s commitment to promoting a stable and prosperous environment. Could you elaborate on the key principles driving this vision?
Amrani: Absolutely. Our efforts are rooted in the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and co-development. His Majesty King Mohammed VI has a bold vision for Africa, centered around an inclusive approach that seeks to forge stronger ties both within the continent and with northern and western hemispheres.
Editor: The Royal Initiative you’ve referenced appears to be pivotal. Can you explain how this initiative positions the Atlantic at the heart of Morocco’s strategy?
Amrani: The Royal Initiative strategically emphasizes the Atlantic region, serving as a vital economic corridor. By doing so, we aim to enhance trade and connectivity, facilitating access for Sahel countries and promoting a robust framework for socio-economic transformation in the entire region.
Editor: That sounds promising. Can you share some examples of the structured projects being implemented under this initiative?
Amrani: Certainly! One of the cornerstone projects involves infrastructure development that links key trading hubs between Atlantic Africa and other regions. This includes road and rail networks that streamline transportation. Additionally, we are investing in renewable energy projects that not only enhance local economies but also foster environmental sustainability, which is essential for long-term growth.
Editor: How do you envision the impact of these initiatives on Morocco’s relationships with its neighbors in the Sahel region?
Amrani: We believe that these initiatives will create a ripple effect, encouraging collaboration and partnership. By facilitating access to markets and resources, we can strengthen ties and encourage economic interdependence, leading to further stability and growth across the region. It’s about fostering a sense of shared destiny.
Editor: That’s an inspiring perspective. In light of current global challenges, such as economic instability and geopolitical tensions, how does Morocco remain adaptable in its role as a regional leader?
Amrani: Adaptability is key. Morocco has always focused on building resilient structures that can withstand external shocks. Our emphasis on diversification of partnerships and investments helps mitigate risks. Moreover, our proactive approach to diplomacy—engaging various stakeholders across the globe—strengthens our position as an anchor of stability in the region.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to those watching Morocco’s initiatives unfold?
Amrani: I would emphasize that Morocco is committed to building a future of prosperity and inclusiveness for all. We invite our regional partners and the international community to join us in this journey of transformation, grounded in a spirit of cooperation and shared success. Together, we can create sustainable growth that uplifts our communities and strengthens our ties.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Amrani. It’s clear that Morocco is paving the way for significant change in the region. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the coming years.
Amrani: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing our vision with you.