Morocco’s Ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani underscored the importance of connectivity and advanced integration in the Atlantic, reflected in the recent Royal Atlantic Initiative, which has enhanced landlocked Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic, in an interview hosted by the Africa Center, affiliated with the American think tank Atlantic Council, in Washington on Friday.
“To achieve prosperity in the Atlantic, it is essential to establish structural integration and connectivity as the pathway (…), positioning the Atlantic as a crucial region for political, economic, and security matters,” he stated.
Hosted by Rama Yade, Director of Africa at the Atlantic Council, and speaking along with Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, the U.S. Principal Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation, Amrani elaborated on Morocco’s commitments and initiatives in the Atlantic space as being “more than a diplomatic priority,” rather “a commitment of reason and a choice of responsibility.”
The gathering served as a forum for discussing the strategic partnership between the United States and African nations across the Atlantic. Amrani welcomed the US initiatives for the Atlantic, emphasizing that they align with Morocco’s priorities.
“It is within our priorities. We have long-standing relations with the US, and because of the Atlantic, we are the first country to recognize the independence of the US. We allow American ships to sail freely in the Atlantic through unbroken partnerships. The Atlantic is in our DNA.”
He tackled global threats like piracy, illegal migration, drug trafficking, and terrorism, all requiring global collaboration to ensure political stability and economic growth in the Atlantic.
According to the diplomat, Morocco is committed to promoting a sustainable international order through effective multilateralism, and the ministerial process launched in Rabat to enhance cooperation among Atlantic African countries. The process included meetings in Rabat and New York and an action plan on counter-terrorism, organized crime, connectivity, illegal immigration, and energy.
Amrani cited specific Moroccan projects, such as the Dakhla Port and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, as being crucial to regional integration and shared prosperity, aiming to develop intra-African corridors that benefit the whole Atlantic region. However, he expressed concern that the Arab Maghreb Union has not yet fulfilled its potential in supporting regional co-development.
Amrani voiced optimism and called for future cooperation, particularly focusing on Africa and benefiting the Atlantic. He addressed Lapenn, stating, “Please give more priority to Africa; Africa is the future.”
Ambassador Jessye Lapenn commended Morocco’s leadership in promoting Atlantic cooperation, as it stems from shared values and the sustainability of Atlantic resources.
She also spoke about her country’s role in Atlantic Cooperation, by addressing common challenges and advancing shared principles, as outlined in the Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation adopted in New York in September 2023.
The Atlantic Council is a US think tank that was established in 1961 to promote Atlanticism and global leadership. The Africa Center focuses on fostering dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and directing US and European policies toward strengthening security and promoting economic growth and prosperity. It coordinates high-level programming on Africa Day annually (May 25) to present the latest developments and initiatives.