Morocco is willing to strengthen partnerships with Indonesia and friendly African countries under South-South and trilateral cooperation, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said on Monday in Bali.
Speaking at the opening of the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), Bourita underlined that “this cooperation could include the implementation of the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.”
The initiative seeks to open Morocco’s roads, ports and rail networks to landlocked Sahel countries, as well as to benefit from the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, which is a crucial driver for integrated regional growth in the Atlantic area.
The cooperation could also cover areas such as food security, development, and modernization of African agriculture, particularly in the current geopolitical context.
“Investment in healthcare and health sovereignty is essential due to its close link to the economic and social development of the continent’s countries,” Bourita added.
The minister noted that “the IAF is an exemplary model of South-South cooperation, capable of addressing the challenges faced by both sides by moving beyond traditional approaches to embrace new, inclusive, innovative, and integrated solutions.”
He expressed a desire to make the forum a key platform for coordinating successful and constructive cooperation, by enhancing Indonesian investments in Africa and establishing bilateral and trilateral partnerships in promising and vital areas such as infrastructure, industry, technology, renewable energy, tourism, and artificial intelligence to stimulate development and create more job opportunities on the continent.
He also proposed the creation of a regular economic forum with private sector participation and collaboration to tackle global challenges, including water scarcity, which poses a serious threat to progress, economic and social development, as well as the security and stability of countries.
He also referenced the monarch’s speech on Throne Day, July 30, in which he urged the public and officials to engage in effective management and conservation of the Kingdom’s water resources, increase efforts and vigilance, devise innovative solutions, and align management models with principles of good governance.
Bourita welcomed the successful organization of the forum, highlighting Morocco’s commitment to participating in this event, driven by its close friendship with Indonesia under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Joko Widodo.
He pointed out Morocco’s dedication to the security, stability, and progress of Africa and the promotion of South-South cooperation.
Regarding the forum’s theme, “The Spirit of the Bandung Conference for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Bourita noted that it is deeply inspired by the Bandung Conference, a major event that marked the dialogue on peace and the strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation between African and Asian countries.
The diplomat further stated that Indonesia’s influential role—committed to supporting the stability, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all African countries—along with its dedication to strengthening cooperation with African nations, adds significant value to the partnership.