The Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Abdelmalek Kettani, underlined, Wednesday in Abidjan, that the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Africa advocates an integrated and mutually beneficial development.
Intervening within the framework of a Geopolitical Cafe » placed under the theme « The African Policy of the Kingdom of Morocco: Principles and Practices“, Mr. Kettani recalled the nature of the ancestral relations that unite Morocco and African countries, sustained and lasting ties that have enabled the establishment of important bilateral relations.
The Kingdom’s current (2011) Moroccan Constitution gives a prominent role to Morocco’s African identity and heritage and emphasizes the country’s deep roots on the continent, the Moroccan diplomat said, calling the year 2017, date of the triumphal return of the Kingdom to its institutional family of the African Union (AU), exceptional.
Even after its withdrawal from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1984, the Kingdom has remained very close to many African countries, and especially during various difficult circumstances as a faithful friend and ally, has been keen to recall Mr. Kettani during this meeting marked by the presence of several personalities from various backgrounds (politics, economy, culture, etc.).
On the diplomatic level, the Ambassador noted that the strengthening and consolidation of relations with sub-Saharan Africa have become the priority of Morocco’s foreign policy, which has evolved towards a new cooperation approach based on the development of winning partnerships. -authentic winner.
The 51 visits made by His Majesty the King to 26 States in all regions of the continent and the hundreds of agreements signed in sectors as diverse as education, agricultural development, economy, finance, and business nuns, testify to this vision.
In addition, Mr. Kettani noted on the economic aspect of Morocco-Africa relations, Morocco’s world-renowned economic successes, which represent a valuable asset for the African Union’s economic integration program and for specific programs such as than those of Agenda 2063, stating that Morocco is the second leading country on the continent for foreign direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa.
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The economic strategy developed by Morocco towards the African continent is the concretization of the royal vision which advocates co-development in Africa in various key areas for our common future, such as food security, infrastructure, banking and financial inclusion, renewable energy and green growth, explained Mr. Kettani.
And to continue that Morocco’s experience dating back several decades in business with Europe, and the close ties that unite its large companies in all fields with their European counterparts give Morocco a certain strategic position as a trait of union between Europe and Africa.
In terms of security, the Ambassador highlighted the particular action of the Kingdom in the fight against terrorism and the preservation of security, noting that the Kingdom annually hosts the “African Lion” operation, joint USA-Morocco military exercises. , which strengthens Morocco’s military capacity which provides hundreds of officers from African armies with advanced training in Moroccan military schools alongside Moroccan officers.
With regard to the migratory aspect, Mr. Kettani echoed the measures of the new immigration and asylum policy adopted in 2014 under the High Instructions of HM the King, faithful and in accordance with Morocco’s commitments in terms of of human rights and a holistic approach that aims to guarantee migrants’ access to fundamental rights and services.
The diplomat pointed out that by setting an example through its globally recognized policy, Morocco has taken the leadership at the level of the African Union on the issue of migration.
Mr. Kettani also recalled the religious ties between Morocco and its African Muslim neighbors which are extremely deep, as well as the cooperation in the fields of higher education and vocational training.
For his part, the Ivorian research professor in political science, Eddie Gerard Guipie, focused his intervention around a plan in four parts, namely ” a geopolitical presentation of Morocco”, “the anteriority of Moroccan-sub-Saharan relations”, “the Moroccan model in the fight against terrorism” and “Moroccan soft power in sub-Saharan Africa“.
Relations between sub-Saharan Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco go back thousands of years, he said, adding that in the 20th century, Morocco spearheading the emancipation and self-determination of African peoples is one of the founding members. of the OAU.
Highlighting the tradition of Morocco’s policy of openness towards sub-Saharan Africa, he recalled that from 1964, the Kingdom deployed a real dynamic of densification of its relations with its sub-Saharan neighbors.
And to emphasize that the Kingdom has always been at the side of African States through its commitment during Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) implemented in certain countries which have gone through armed conflicts and suffered serious humanitarian crises. .
” This participation of Morocco in these PKOs mainly in Africa makes the Kingdom the third French-speaking country in the world contributing to these UN operations.“, chained Eddie Gerard Guipie.
Referring to the fight against terrorism, he noted that Morocco’s response commensurate with the magnitude of the threat makes it a model, noting that Morocco has adopted a unique religious reform to rebuild the religious field.
In this regard, he recalled the creation of the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Imams, Morchidates and Morchidines which receives students from Morocco and Africa, the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema to promote moderate Islam and religious tolerance and ensuring the spiritual security of Moroccans and Africans and presenting them with a good understanding of the percepts and noble values of Islam to avoid extremist temptations.
Since the establishment of specific education for morchidates in the early 2000s, Morocco considers that women have a leading role to play in the fight against extremist ideas, added this academic.
” Morocco has established itself as a leading player in both peacekeeping and the fight against terrorism“, he concluded.
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Morocco in Africa, a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership