The Moroccan diplomat stressed that “theAfrica assumes more than ever a pivotal role and place on the global stage, becoming a geopolitical balance maker who not only influences but also determines the international decision-making process.”
Insisting on the momentum of transformation that punctuates the continent, Youssef Amrani recalled that “this year alone, 19 elections are scheduled on the continent”, demonstrating that “African evolution is taking place in leaps and bounds and in a structuring manner, thus opening the way to changes that will continue to reposition the continent at the centre of agendas”.
“Africa is the Future,” pleaded the Ambassador, emphasizing the achievements recorded in the construction of a “coherent, integrated and united” African project, which gradually reflects the renewed political ambitions of African unity. which turns into reality. »
« The Vision of His Majesty the King participates with determination, support and impact in the strategic enhancement of this transversal emulation which is taking place on the continent, offering nothing less than a new African narrative based on more solidarity, more cooperation and more integration. », stressed the Moroccan diplomat.
Youssef Amrani recalled that “Africa is at the heart of all the Kingdom’s priorities and constitutes a space of projection that the Morocco invests with a unambiguous diplomatic conviction: our common future is built together through consultation and an unwavering commitment to serving the primary and broader interests of African citizens. »
Mr. Amrani explained in this sense that the Initiative launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to promote theaccess of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Oceanreflects in its quintessence “our deeply rooted ambition for sustainable and inclusive development in Africa.”
This unique initiative will facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic coast, which will help to stimulate trade and generate investment and employment for the benefit of the continent’s populations.
L’Initiative Royale will contribute to strengthening connectivity between regional areas and groupings, he said, stressing the need to formulate appropriate strategies aimed at promoting regional integration.
The ambassador also reviewed the various initiatives launched by the Morocco to strengthen cooperation with the rest of the continent, in particular the Gas Pipeline between Morocco and Nigeria, believing that the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area will make it possible to further strengthen intra-African partnerships.
While recalling that Africa is “in full motion and has the ambition, institutions and tools necessary” to ensure its growth dynamic, Mr. Amrani pleaded in favor of a new impetus to the partnership with the UNITED STATES and the African continent with a view to harnessing the potential that Africa has as the continent of the future.
In this context, he noted that strengthening cooperation ties with African countries should not be limited to the governmental level, but must also include all other partners, including civil society and the business world, recalling in this regard the celebration by Morocco and the United States this year of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the free trade agreement, which contributed to the improvement of trade between the two countries.
“Africa has the ambitions and leadership that allow it to establish itself as a distinguished partner of the United States,” assured the ambassador during this session devoted to the theme “Positioning for partnership: African diplomacy in the United States.”
In this sense, he mentioned the crucial role played by African diplomats in promoting the image of their country among American actors and also by presenting their ambitions and their needs in terms of partnerships, based on the common values that these countries share with the United States without abandoning their specificities and identities.
He added that the roles of African diplomatic representations in the United States also include promoting growth and creating employment 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.
This session saw the participation of ambassadors from Tanzania, Ghana, Mali and the African Union, accredited to the United States.
These speakers agreed on the need to adopt strategic approaches that help foster mutually beneficial U.S.-Africa partnerships.
The forum, which is attended by US officials, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of research centres and the media, focuses on the continent’s role in international cooperation, with the aim of improving partnership opportunities and strengthening regional and continental integration.
