New Speech by Morocco on Africa in Washington

Youssef El Amrani, Morocco’s ambassador to the United States, highlighted that “Africa’s importance is not limited to the special interest in its 54 countries; The world is directing the compass towards it, and some are correcting the delay,” noting that “Africa has begun to play, more than ever before, a pivotal role and position on the global scene, as it has become effective in achieving the geopolitical balance that not only affects, but also determines the course of international decision-making.” .

Al-Amrani stressed the dynamics of transformation that the continent is witnessing, recalling that the latter will witness 19 electoral votes this year alone, which shows that the pace of Africa’s development is proceeding at a rapid pace and in a structured manner, and paves the way for changes that will work tirelessly to reposition the continent at the heart of agendas.

The diplomat’s words came on the sidelines during a high-level session at the opening of the Carnegie Africa Forum, which was organized in Washington by the prestigious US Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The Moroccan ambassador stressed that “Africa is the future,” focusing on “the gains achieved in the framework of building a cohesive, integrated and solidary African project, which gradually reflects the renewed political ambitions for African unity, which are now turning into a tangible reality.”

In this regard, Al-Omrani stressed that “the vision of King Mohammed VI contributes with determination, support and influence to the strategic advancement of this comprehensive dynamic that the continent is witnessing, thus presenting a new discourse based on greater solidarity, cooperation and integration.”

The spokesman also stated that “Africa is at the heart of all the Kingdom’s priorities, and constitutes a forward-looking space within which Morocco engages based on a clear diplomatic conviction: that our common future is being built together within the framework of consultation and a firm commitment to serving the interests of African citizens.”

In this context, the ambassador explained that the initiative launched by King Mohammed VI to enhance the access of the Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean essentially reflects “our deep ambition for sustainable and comprehensive development in Africa,” stressing that this unprecedented initiative will facilitate the access of the Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean front, which will help stimulate trade, investment and job opportunities for the benefit of the continent’s population.

The Moroccan diplomat added that the royal initiative will contribute to strengthening communication between regional spaces and groups, highlighting the need to formulate appropriate strategies aimed at enhancing regional integration, and reviewing the various initiatives launched by Morocco to enhance cooperation with the rest of the continent, especially the gas pipeline between Morocco and Nigeria; he also considered that the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area will also enhance partnerships between African countries.

Al-Amrani pointed out that Africa “is working diligently and has the ambition, institutions and tools necessary” to ensure its growth dynamics, calling for giving new impetus to the partnership between the United States and the African continent with the aim of valuing the benefits of the qualifications that Africa abounds with, as it is the continent of the future.

In this context, the speaker considered that consolidating cooperation relations with African countries should not be limited to the governmental level, but should also include the rest of the partners, including civil society and businessmen, recalling that Morocco and the United States commemorate this year the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, which It contributed to the development of bilateral trade.

During this session dedicated to the theme “Positioning for Partnership: African Diplomacy in the United States,” Ambassador Al-Amrani stressed that “Africa has the ambitions and leadership to establish itself as a distinguished partner of the United States.”

In this regard, the same diplomat touched on the crucial role played by African diplomats in promoting a bright image of their countries to American actors, and also in identifying their ambitions and needs in the field of partnerships, based on the common values ​​that these countries share with the United States, without abandoning their specificities and identities.

The same spokesman stated that the roles of African diplomatic representations in the United States also include promoting growth and creating job opportunities in the countries of the continent for the benefit of younger generations, as well as promoting peace and stability in various regions of the continent.

It is noteworthy that the session witnessed the participation of the ambassadors of Tanzania, Ghana, Mali, and the African Union, accredited to the United States. The interventions of these stakeholders also unanimously agreed on the need to adopt strategic approaches that contribute to stimulating partnerships between American and African actors, for mutual benefit.

This forum, which will see the participation of American officials and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of research centers and the media, focuses on the role of the continent in international cooperation, with the aim of improving partnership opportunities and strengthening regional and continental integration.