Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States Youssef Amrani highlighted the kingdom’s pivotal contribution to fostering a stable and transformative socio-economic environment in the Atlantic region during a briefing organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Washington, at the Moroccan Chancery.
Ambassadors and representatives from 39 countries discussed the latest developments in the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, focusing on initiatives promoting stability, prosperity, and inclusivity in the Atlantic region.
The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, launched on September 18, 2023, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, unites 38 coastal Atlantic countries across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. The multilateral initiative ushers in a new era of regional collaboration by fostering deeper connections and addressing shared goals among member nations while upholding common principles for Atlantic cooperation.
Ambassador Amrani reiterated the Royal Initiative, which aligns with King Mohammed VI’s strategic vision for the African continent. The project, based on solidarity, cooperation, and co-development, seeks to establish an economic corridor linking Atlantic Africa to the northern and western hemispheres by granting Sahel countries access to the Atlantic maritime zone, primarily through Moroccan territories and facilities.
Speaking about the importance of complementarity among various initiatives aimed at expanding the Atlantic space, Ambassador Amrani underscored Morocco’s active participation in the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation. The Kingdom co-chairs a working group on Maritime Spatial Planning with Spain and Angola, confirming a collaborative approach to improving the Atlantic’s potential.
The ambassador concluded by reaffirming the Atlantic’s strategic significance to Morocco as a key driver of peace and long-term development, as well as the need for collaborative efforts to establish it as a vital and dynamic international space.
Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, the US Department of State’s Coordinator for the Atlantic Partnership, commended Morocco for its leadership and commitment to improving the Atlantic space.
Lapenn recognized the importance of the meeting for the accredited diplomatic corps in Washington, pointing out to shared values that foster a common Atlantic identity.
The American diplomat urged member countries to cooperate to overcome common challenges and seize chances to develop and ensure the sustainability of Atlantic resources for future generations.