Morocco has through the Atlantic Initiative positioned itself as a model of South-South cooperation, combining modernity and respect for African traditions.
Morocco continues to consolidate its role as a regional leader in Africa, illustrating its unwavering commitment to the unity of the continent through ambitious initiatives.
During the inaugural meeting of the presidents of the parliaments of the Atlantic African States, Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Atlantic Initiative.
This project, launched in 2009 in Rabat and boosted since June 2022, embodies the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for a united, prosperous and resilient Africa.
In his speech, Talbi Alami stressed that the significant progress of the Atlantic Initiative reflects the personal commitment of King Mohammed VI to achieve robust and inclusive African cooperation on the ground.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of a “great shared dream” that of building an Africa that fully exploits its natural and human resources for the benefit of all its peoples.
The royal vision, according to Talbi Alami, is not limited to simple regional cooperation. It aims to transform the African Atlantic coast into a pole of economic prosperity, capable of attracting international investments while consolidating inter-African ties.
This ambition involves strategic partnerships that place Africans at the heart of development, without external interference or geopolitical dependence.
Aware of the essential role of parliaments in the realization of this vision, Talbi Alami launched a solemn appeal to African legislative institutions to actively engage in the promotion and implementation of similar initiatives.
He advocated for the creation of a parliamentary network bringing together representatives of countries bordering the African Atlantic. This network would be responsible for coordinating legislative actions, advocating on the international scene and ensuring effective mobilization of public opinion.
For the Atlantic Initiative to become a tangible reality, Talbi Alami stressed the need for constant dialogue between legislative institutions, governments and civil society actors. This multilateral cooperation would make it possible to integrate the Initiative into concrete programmes, adapted to the socio-economic realities of each country.
Referring to Morocco’s strategic assets, Talbi Alami highlighted the
importance of the southern provinces, true logistics hubs serving African integration. The Port of Dakhla, one of the largest on the continent, plays a key role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, America and the Mediterranean basin.
In addition, there are other strategic infrastructures such as the ports of Laayoune, Tarfaya, Boujdour and Tan-Tan, which strengthen regional connectivity.
Further north, the Port of Casablanca remains a nerve center for maritime trade, consolidating Morocco’s position as a gateway to Africa for international investors.
“All this embodies the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for a win-win African partnership, based on the rights of Africans to benefit from the continent’s wealth and technological development,” said Talbi Alami.
Morocco’s commitment to African development is not limited to economic initiatives. It is part of a proactive diplomatic policy, where Africa occupies a central place. Last November, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, illustrated this dynamic at the 1st Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.
In a notable speech, Bourita stated: “It is not Africa that needs the rest of the world. In fact, it is the rest of the world that increasingly needs Africa.”
This statement reflects Morocco’s desire to see African voices recognized and respected in international bodies. The Kingdom is thus working to defend a strong Africa, capable of asserting itself as a key player on the world stage.
Morocco, faithful to its Africa First policy, is multiplying initiatives in favor of continental cooperation. This approach is based on values of solidarity, sharing and inclusive development. The Kingdom is banking on partnerships based on mutual respect and the empowerment of African states, far from the logic of domination.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/gik/APA