Hungary welcomes the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean (Joint Press Release)
Rabat – Hungary welcomed, Wednesday in Rabat, the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in November 2023.
In a joint communiqué signed at the end of the meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, Nasser Bourita, and his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjàrtó, Morocco and Hungary “have agreed on the importance of security and prosperity in the Sahel and welcomed everyone’s initiatives aimed at improving stability, the economic situation and strengthening connectivity in the region, including the Royal Initiative aimed at to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in November 2023.
In this context, Hungary “welcomed Morocco’s role as a pole of stability and a relay for growth and development in Africa”, continues the Joint Communiqué.
The two ministers also “discussed the importance of exploring ways to establish tripartite partnerships between Morocco, Hungary and their partners on the African continent, capable of implementing common projects for the economic and sustainable development of African countries, and to provide common responses to the challenges these countries face, particularly in terms of security, stability, migration and socio-economic development”, we read in the Joint Communiqué.
How can Morocco effectively coordinate regional cooperation to ensure the success of the Sahel Access Initiative?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sahel Access Initiative Expert
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us at Time.news. We have an exciting development to discuss today — the Royal Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI of Morocco aimed at improving access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. To help us unpack this initiative, we have with us Dr. Amina El-Hassan, an expert in regional development and international relations. Welcome, Dr. El-Hassan!
Dr. El-Hassan: Thank you for having me! I’m eager to discuss this important initiative.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Hungary recently expressed its support for this initiative. What does this signify in terms of international relations and collaboration for Sahel countries?
Dr. El-Hassan: Hungary’s support is significant, as it highlights the growing importance of the Sahel region on the international stage. By backing King Mohammed VI’s initiative, Hungary is recognizing the need for strategic partnerships that can enhance economic development and stability in these nations. This could encourage further collaboration from other European and international entities looking to invest in the region.
Editor: Interesting perspective. Can you elaborate on how facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean could impact the economies of Sahel countries?
Dr. El-Hassan: Absolutely. Many Sahel countries are landlocked, which significantly restricts their trade capabilities and economic growth. By facilitating access to the Atlantic, these countries could develop maritime trade routes, fostering economic diversification and attracting foreign investments. This initiative could also lead to more efficient import-export processes, ultimately benefiting local economies and improving livelihoods.
Editor: That makes sense. What challenges do you foresee in implementing this initiative, considering the geopolitical dynamics of the region?
Dr. El-Hassan: There are indeed several challenges. The Sahel region is marked by instability and conflict, which could hinder logistical support and infrastructure development necessary to establish such access. Additionally, there may be competing interests from neighboring countries and existing trade routes that could complicate negotiations. Building consensus among various stakeholders—regional and international—will be key to overcoming these obstacles.
Editor: How might this initiative influence the regional security situation, particularly with the presence of extremist groups in the Sahel?
Dr. El-Hassan: Improving economic conditions through better access could actually play a role in mitigating security issues. When populations have access to economic opportunities, there is less likelihood of engaging with extremist groups driven by desperation. However, security measures will need to be prioritized along with economic development to ensure that the routes opened are safe and beneficial for trade.
Editor: In light of these developments, what role can Morocco play in leading this initiative forward?
Dr. El-Hassan: Morocco has the potential to act as a regional leader and facilitator. Through diplomacy, infrastructure investment, and leveraging its own economic strengths, Morocco can spearhead collaborations, promote stability, and create frameworks that support sustainable development in the Sahel region. Their geographic position and existing relationships with various Sahel nations can be instrumental in this effort.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Hassan, for your insights on this pivotal initiative. It appears that while the path ahead is not without challenges, there is significant potential for positive outcomes both economically and socially in the Sahel. We appreciate your time with us today!
Dr. El-Hassan: Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about what lies ahead for the Sahel and Morocco’s leading role in this initiative.