Russia-Africa Summit: Akhannouch emphasizes royal vision in boosting Africa’s connections with its diverse partners

During the second Russia-Africa Summit, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch emphasized the Royal Vision in enhancing Africa’s relationships with its diverse partners.

The King’s representative at this international summit, Akhannouch, said during the opening planary session that the Sovereign “was the first to stress the need for a change of approach on the part of its traditional partners towards the African continent.”

In this regard, he noted that this approach had been stated on a number of occasions, most notably in the King’s statement at the 2014 Morocco-Côte d’Ivoire Economic Forum.

The Sovereign had emphasized in that message that mutually beneficial partnerships were what Africa really needed, not outside aid. More than humanitarian relief, Africa requires social and human development initiatives.

Akhannouch went on to reaffirm Morocco’s “permanent attachment” to its relationships with different strategic partners, stressing that the Kingdom has sought to diversify its strategic alliances under the wise leadership of the King.

Several African Heads of State and Government were present for the plenary session, and he stated that the status and future of the African continent had become a top priority for Morocco’s foreign policy in light of this royal vision.

He said that Africa justifiably strives to define its position and interests freely and sovereignly in its ties with the rest of the world and that this regal vision is a result of that. He added that Africa has great human and natural potential.

“Therefore, the countries of our continent have the right, in absolute independence, to determine the nature of the strategic alliances they wish to establish with the various international groups and actors, in a manner that takes into account their paramount interests.”

The Head of Government highlighted that, while Morocco and Russia have enjoyed outstanding diplomatic ties since the 18th century, those ties have grown significantly stronger after King Mohammed VI’s 2016 trip to Moscow.

“During this visit, a deep strategic partnership was established, covering a wide range of areas of cooperation, including agriculture, energy, fisheries, science and technology, culture, and higher education.”

The 2nd Russia-Africa Summit took place in Saint Petersburg on July 27 and 28, and Akhannouch expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the King there. He noted that the event this year “reflects the Russian Federation’s determination to strengthen friendly relations and constructive cooperation with the participating African countries, to support their efforts to achieve comprehensive development, and to effectively address the various challenges they face.”

He pointed out that the world is experiencing instability, the increase of hostilities, and tensions in a number of regions at the time this summit is taking place.

The Head of Government described in this context the fundamental principles and tenets that support “Morocco’s position in the face of the current crises.”

The use of peaceful means to resolve disputes and refraining from using force are among them, in his opinion. He also cites respect for the territorial integrity of UN Member States, adherence to international legal norms, Security Council, and General Assembly resolutions.

The Kingdom of Morocco “believes in the need to intensify efforts and encourage international and regional cooperation” to meet the challenges of this crisis, remove barriers, and create a future that can ensure food and energy security for all countries on the continent, Akhannouch continued. “In this context, and in view of the challenges posed by the Ukrainian crisis to food and energy security, particularly on the African continent, the Kingdom of Morocco believes in the need to intensify efforts and encourage international and regional cooperation,” he said.

He added that Morocco was hoping the summit “will be able to strengthen these relations and launch innovative areas of cooperation capable of promoting development and consolidating the security and stability of our African continent, as well as opening up broader horizons for the future of African-Russian relations.”

To represent His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the second Russia-Africa Summit, Akhannouch landed in Saint Petersburg on Thursday.

Nasser Bourita, the minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates, and Lotfi Bouchaara, the ambassador of Morocco to Russia, are also part of the Moroccan group that is attending the meeting.

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