Speaking on this occasion, the British jurist and lawyer, Andrew Rosemarine stressed that the Moroccan Sahara stands out as an economic hub and as a link between Africa and Europe.
Thanks to the new progress model launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015 and endowed with a budget of 10 billion dollars, the southern provinces of Morocco are now living to the rhythm of multidimensional and inclusive socio-economic growth, he noted.
Referring to the growing international support for the Moroccan character of the Sahara, the petitioner indicated that more than 110 countries support the autonomy plan qualified as serious and credible by the Security Council, affirming that this initiative is the “one and only” basis for achieve a realistic, pragmatic and lasting political solution to this regional dispute.
This irreversible dynamic confirms the legitimacy of Morocco in its southern provinces, regardless of the enemies of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom who continue to suffer bitter setbacks, he said.
For her part, the Belgian jurist, Ana Roios, noted that the new development model in the Sahara is based on a vision which promotes development through innovation, local industries and partnerships and which aims to make provinces of the South “partners and key contributors” to the economic and social landscape of the Kingdom.
It is in this context that the autonomy plan intervenes to provide these provinces with the capacity to manage thier own affairs in full respect of national sovereignty and unity, she said, adding that this balance between local autonomy and national integrity is essential to guarantee development that is both participatory and inclusive.
the petitioner cited, in this regard, the clear support enjoyed by several countries of the European Union for the autonomy plan, recalling an EU press release in which this regional grouping expressed its commitment to supporting the strategies development of Morocco as essential components of stability and growth in the region.
Along the same lines, the president of the Moroccan-Palestinian Friendship Group, Mohamad Ziyad Aljabar, welcomed the reform dynamic in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, marked in particular by the strengthening of human rights, the acceleration of the pace of human development and the promotion of investments.
These advances are reinforced by the diplomatic breakthroughs made by Morocco with the aim of sealing, once and for all, this artificial regional dispute, he said, citing to this effect the unequivocal support provided by several influential countries such as the United States, Spain and France to the Moroccan character of the Sahara and the autonomy plan.
In response to the enemies of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, Mr. Aljabar also noted that the question of the Moroccan Sahara in no way resembles that of Palestine.
HM King Mohammed VI,president of the Al-Quds Committee,has continually reaffirmed that Morocco always places the Palestinian cause at the same level as the sahara issue and that the Kingdom’s action with a view to consecrating its Moroccanness will never be done,neither today nor in the future,to the detriment of the struggle of the Palestinian people to recover their legitimate rights,recalled the speaker.
For her part, Zahra Saad, researcher at the National Fisheries Research Institute, spoke of the massive investments made by Morocco in the southern provinces, especially in the maritime fishing sector, specifying that alone, this sector has benefited from nearly a billion euros dedicated to the construction of the new port “Dakhla Atlantique” and 120 million euros devoted to the valorization of fishing products.
In the wake of this dynamic, the legitimate representatives of the Moroccan Sahara region play a leading role in the implementation of this development model, indicated, in turn, the Peruvian politician and jurist Martha Chávez Cossío, noting that this innovative action plan covers all aspects of political, social, economic and human rights life in the southern provinces.
What are the potential benefits and challenges of international support for Morocco’s efforts in the Sahara?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert Andrew Rosemarine on the Economic Meaning of the Moroccan Sahara
time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Andrew Rosemarine! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the moroccan Sahara and its emerging role as an economic hub between Africa and Europe. To begin, could you explain what makes the Moroccan Sahara a pivotal region in this context?
Andrew Rosemarine (AR): Thank you for having me! The Moroccan Sahara is indeed an increasingly vital region, primarily due to its strategic location. It serves as a vital link between Africa and Europe,facilitating trade and investment opportunities. This geographic advantage, combined with Morocco’s proactive development policies, positions the Sahara as a burgeoning economic center.
TNE: That’s fascinating! You mentioned development policies. Can you elaborate on the model launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015 and its impact on the southern provinces?
AR: Absolutely.The development model initiated in 2015, backed by a ample investment of $10 billion, aimed at fostering inclusive and multifaceted socio-economic growth in the southern provinces. this initiative has led to infrastructure projects, job creation, and improvements in local services. As a result,we are witnessing a transformation where local communities are empowered and economic diversification is taking shape.
TNE: It sounds like a important transformation. How has the international community responded to Morocco’s development efforts in the Sahara?
AR: The international response has been overwhelmingly positive. more than 110 countries have expressed their support for the Moroccan character of the Sahara.The autonomy plan that Morocco proposed has been recognized as serious and credible by the United Nations Security Council, which further validates these development efforts on a global stage.
TNE: That’s quite an endorsement! What do you believe the implications of this widespread support are for the region’s future?
AR: The implications are profound. With international backing, Morocco is better positioned to attract foreign investment, foster trade relations, and enhance regional stability. This support can also act as a catalyst for further socio-economic growth and development, creating a more favorable surroundings for businesses and communities alike in the Sahara.
TNE: Certainly, a bright future appears to be ahead for the region. In your opinion, what challenges might arise as development progresses?
AR: while the prospects are promising, challenges such as ensuring sustainable development, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting social equity will need careful management.It’s essential that the growth achieved benefits all segments of the local population and preserves the region’s unique ecological heritage.
TNE: Essential points to consider. as we wrap up, what message do you hope our audience takes away regarding the Moroccan Sahara?
AR: I hope the audience recognizes the Moroccan Sahara as a dynamic and evolving region, ripe with potential. Its strategic importance,backed by significant investment and international support,can serve as a model for development in other regions facing similar challenges. The future is bright, and it’s an opportunity for Morocco to led in building a stronger economic bridge between Africa and Europe.
TNE: Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your insights! we look forward to following the developments in the Moroccan Sahara and its role on the global stage.
AR: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this critically important topic.