MFA Bourita stated at the opening of the “Forum of South-South Parliamentary Dialogue” of Senates and Equivalent Councils from Africa, the Arab World, Latin America, and the Caribbean, organized by the House of Advisors under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, that Morocco, as a United Nations member concerned with adhering to the principles of international law, will be resolutely committed to achieving the objectives of this initiative.

MFA Bourita also stated that the Kingdom of Morocco will make every possible effort to support any initiative aimed at strengthening this important aspect of parliamentary diplomacy, as well as mobilize its experience and capabilities to form an ambitious partnership to serve the peoples of these regions’ goals.

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He went on to say that many previous rapprochement or integration initiatives, in various forms, have demonstrated that their ability to achieve the desired goals is dependent on their avoidance of attempts to involve them in controversial issues that oppose their founders’ aspirations and objectives, turning them into a terrain of conflict and ideological alignment, and an attempt to win fictitious battles whose real parties have failed to promote them.

This forum, MFA Bourita noted, represents more than 2.2 billion people and brings together countries with a total GDP of more than $8,200 billion dollars. These countries have great potential for collaborative development, wealth creation, profitable investment, and commercial, technological, and cultural exchanges.

Morocco’s conviction is that the current and future challenges confronting the peoples of the South necessitate the adoption of a collective approach, based on the principle of common development, taking into account the needs and specificities of each country, and working to enhance its national efforts in the context of a participatory approach at the regional or provincial level, stated MFA Bourita, recalling that the process of reforms and major development paves the way for this.

Morocco occupies a special position at the regional and continental level, opening prospects for dialogue and cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries, particularly in Africa, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as a result of the experience it has accumulated in several strategic and vital sectors such as renewable energy, food security, sustainable exploitation of natural resources, as well as new technologies and pharmaceutical industries.

The Councils assembled today, by definition, include specialized skills and expertise, as well as professional and territorial representations capable of conveying the aspirations and concerns of citizens and the bodies they represent, which will have “a positive impact on the quality of initiatives and proposals that you will discuss in this forum, and give them a practical aspect capable of making them more feasible and traceable in the field.”

MFA Bourita emphasized that constructive dialogue and exchange of views between these institutions would bring together peoples and countries from regions that share deep human, cultural, and civilizational values, as well as develop mechanisms for integration, cooperation, and exchange of experiences and best practices in critical areas such as stimulating economic growth, increasing competitiveness, promoting social integration, and reducing disparities and improving governance.

In this sense, he expressed confidence that “this forum will contribute to the coordination of political positions in international forums on issues of common interest to the peoples of our regions, within the framework of full respect for the principles and customs of international law, including respect for countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Minister believed that parliamentary diplomatic work had become a parallel dimension to governmental diplomatic work, particularly in countries that have made the democratic path a strategic choice that values the constitutional competences entrusted to legislative institutions and recognizes them as an important actor in the strengthening of people-to-people cooperation and the promotion of global security and peace.

MFA Bourita also expressed his satisfaction with the accomplishments of various parliamentary gatherings in recent years, through joint action against the problems confronting the peoples of Africa and the Arab world, as well as the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, in pace with the rapid changes and growing challenges that these regions are experiencing.

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Leila Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, emphasized the need of regional integration in terms of sustainable energy in Africa on Thursday, with a focus on South-South cooperation as well as South-North cooperation, in collaboration with European partners.

The manager, addressing on the sidelines of a meeting on the prospects and difficulties of Africa’s energy transition, convened at the Morocco Pavilion at COP 26, urged taking advantage of available financing to ensure the transition’s success.

Morocco convened a meeting on the prospects and difficulties of energy transition in Africa on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit (COP 26), with the involvement of various figures from the fields of energy, finance, and development.

The event provided an opportunity to address the benefits and challenges of a successful energy transition in Africa, as well as solutions to speed up access to sustainable energy.

The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Lela Benali, emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in this field, saying, “Morocco is trying to consolidate regional integration in Africa in order to ensure everyone has access to sustainable energy.”

Africa must use research, innovation, industrial integration, and assistance for the growth of the regional energy market to turn today’s issues into investment possibilities.”

In this regard, the management emphasized the need of taking advantage of available funding and collaboration opportunities in order to make this shift a success. This entails, among other things, establishing electricity, gas, and other links amongst the continent’s countries.

Janet Rogan, the regional ambassador for the Middle East and Africa at COP 26, said, “Africa confronts enormous challenges, with approximately 600 million people without access to energy across the continent.” Because of its size, the continent also has a transmission network that isn’t always up to date.”

As a result, she maintained, people in Africa must have access to energy and overcome structural challenges in order to flourish and grow socioeconomically.

This is the hope that COP 26 provides today, she noted, because the Summit has opened the door to several other new investments and improved financial availability.

Morocco has always strived to accelerate the implementation of the renewable energy agenda, in addition to hosting two COPs in the past, according to Ms. Rogan, adding that it is a sector that now has attractive opportunities thanks to new technologies, the cost of which has been greatly reduced, making them viable options for developing countries.

The Ambassador also mentioned that the Kingdom is cooperating and sharing its expertise with other African countries, “which means we have chances and solutions inside the continent.”

The speakers at this discussion were unanimous in highlighting the importance of the Kingdom’s role in fostering a low-carbon energy transition in Africa, both through its public and commercial sectors. The task is to take advantage of the continent’s resource potential and develop solutions that deliver modern types of energy to ensure that all Africans have access to reliable energy.

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Interview with Ambassador to South Africa Youssef Amrani

In an interview with Morocco Telegraph, Moroccan diplomat and politician, Youssef Amrani, Moroccan Ambassador to South Africa, expressed his views regarding the bilateral relations between Morocco and South Africa as well as Morocco ‘s diplomatic efforts in Africa. The interview transcript is as follows:

– Morocco and South Africa are two of the African continent’s most advanced countries. To what extent have the countries capitalized on economic opportunities in order to achieve the desired growth?

Let me tell you first that, our two countries agreed, at highest level, to reinforce and develop their relations trough a renewed Partnership. By building closer and stronger ties we actually participate in building up a prosperous, secure and forward looking Africa.

On the economic level, Morocco and south Africa have shared some big success stories in the recent years. Saham and Sanlam, Aredei Capital and so on, … Two months ago, Casablanca Finance City Authority (CFCA) and the South African Agency Wesgro signed a memorandum of understanding to promote investment opportunities in Morocco and South Africa. Morocco’s regional Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and services of the Souss-Massa region signed an MoU with South Africa’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Cape Province. These new instruments pave the way for the establishment of a support platform for companies in their respective investment projects, whether in South Africa or in Morocco.
But of course, this is not enough. We have to push this dynamic even further to create more value for our people and our young generation. This is what matters the most. I think that the most appropriate way to do this is by enhancing inter-African trade and investment through appropriate tools like the African continental free-trade area (Afcfta). The creation of the Afcfta marks the beginning of a broader collective plan and a new model of supportive, efficient and inclusive co-development in the service of African countries.
Let us not forget that Morocco and South Africa have been, alternately during the last years, the largest investors in the continent and the largest in their respective regions. As so, they are called upon to play major roles in the African integration process. On the other hand, Morocco and South Africa are among the very few African countries that currently have the tools and the know how to efficiently address the needs of the African continent in Covid vaccines and medical equipment.
Therefore, we must look beyond the economic dimension of the bilateral cooperation and work internally, by our own means, to review realities that are now obsolete. More than ever, policies of solidarity are needed as we should aim further to common and shared objectives like peace restoration, strengthening democracy, strong economic growth, in order to enhance States’ resilience and promote inclusive, sustainable development for the benefit of the African continent.
This is the Vision of His Majesty the King for the Africa We Want, a continent that takes responsibility for its own destiny through a renewed commitment, that puts human development at the heart of its priorities, in order to achieve Peace and Prosperity.
I believe that by working together, Morocco and South Africa can increase trade and investment and promote economic and human development projects throughout the continent, as means of promoting stability and security for the African people. Overall, we have to turn the pages of ideological positions and work together to overcome our differences and build-up a common future based on shared prosperity and values.
– As one of the most prominent pillars of Moroccan diplomacy, how do you see the dynamism of the Moroccan Sahara issue particularly through the expanding circle of States that recognize national sovereignty, as well as the number of consulates opened? 

Let me remind you that the UN has defined clear parameters for the way forward in the search for a durable solution to this regional dispute over the Sahara. The language of the UN, and therefore that of international legality, advocates for a political solution that is realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and based on compromise.
All these parameters are fully reflected in the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007. Since 2007, all the Resolutions of the UN Security Council have supported the Moroccan approach by underlining the pre-eminence of its initiative, its seriousness and its credibility. As a matter of fact, the autonomy plan is the one and only way forward for a final solution to this regional dispute, namely autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
This plan is a “win-win” solution that represents a realistic and pragmatic way to put an end to this dispute in full consistency with the guidelines of the Security Council. It brings hope for a better future for the people of the region, puts an end to separation and promotes reconciliation. It is the only solution that satisfies the parameters laid out in Security Council resolutions: A realistic, practicable, and enduring political solution that rests on compromise.
This wording used by the Security Council is not fortuitous. It is a direct call to the other parties to move forward in this negotiation process, involving all the relevant stakeholders, in order to put an end to the deadlock that has lasted long enough. The cost of this lack of will to find a final solution to this issue is too high, for the people of the region as well as for the UN efforts.
As you rightly mention in your question, we acknowledge every day a greater number of countries around the globe that are no longer taking half measures to formally recognize the full and complete sovereignty of Morocco over its Saharan provinces. The opening of more than 20 consulates general of brotherly and friendly countries in Dakhla and Laayoune, the American proclamation and many other diplomatic breakthroughs reflect the same conviction that Morocco’s legitimacy is undeniable and its sovereignty over the Sahara non-negotiable.
Moreover, Morocco has a just cause, a long-term vision and a legitimate ambition. For the past decades, the economic and social development of the Sahara has been a priority for Morocco. In its Saharan provinces, as elsewhere throughout its national territory, the Kingdom has never ceased to promote the interests of its citizens.
The resulting benefits of this approach are outstanding. By creating added value and massively investing in the future of the region, Morocco has created a momentum for prosperity and development not only in the Southern Provinces but rather throughout the national territory, and for the benefit of all Moroccan citizens from Tangier to Lagouira.
– How do you assess Morocco’s position on the continent since its re-accession to the African Union, which has created the opportunity for the establishment and strengthening of various initiatives led by King Mohammed VI on the continent?

Morocco’s return to the AU is the result of a proactive and sustained policy of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and a Royal Vision in favour of a South-South cooperation development and a win-win partnership. It is a return to normal, to our natural place.

Africa forms an integral part of Morocco’s identity. Morocco is African, by its geography, as well as by its history. Human, economic and religious ties have always been strong between the Kingdom and the continent it belongs to.

On top of that and since its independence, Morocco has always been putting Africa in the heart of its strategic choices. We remember proudly that, since the 60’s and shortly after its independence, Morocco actively supported African independence movements and their emblematic leaders from Patrice Lumumba to Nelson Mandela, providing them with diplomatic support as well as military assistance in order to defeat colonialism and help the continent achieve peace.

Morocco is a founding member of the OAU. It was the Casablanca conference, in 1961, that brought together the most charismatic leaders of the newly independent African countries gathered around the Father of the Moroccan independence Mohammed V, and led to the birth of the pan Africanism and the Organization of the African Unity.

In 1984, the Kingdom withdrew, for a while, but never left Africa. Morocco did not wait for its return to the AU to invest in social-economic development with the African countries. The Moroccan multidimensional offer is singular and unique based on a global, integrated and inclusive approach that takes into consideration promoting peace and stability, sustainable human development and cultural and spiritual identity.

The spirit of fraternity, solidarity and humanism prevails in our foreign policy. HM King Mohammed VI’s initiative to support and work together with more than 15 African sisterly nations in their national efforts and endeavours to fight the Covid pandemic, confirms yet again, Morocco’s commitment for a united, strong and resilient Africa.

Today Morocco spares no efforts to contribute in building up an emergent strong, independent and confident continent. Integration, stability and prosperity are at the heart of our priorities. Morocco deeply believes that Africa’s future must rely on common ownership and dialogue and unequivocal support for the priorities of an African youth in search of prosperity and opportunities.

Nevertheless, one has to understand that African unity is a moving target. We have to constantly adapt our self to the requirement of goal oriented policies. It is not always an easy task to find common grounds as Africa is a very diverse continent. The AU must provide the space that unites ambitions and pulls strategies. Its role is crucial to express a continental vision that breaks with past approaches.

The Kingdom’s return to the African Union, its institutional family, is therefore that of a deep and unequivocal desire to bring strength and contribution to the building of an emancipated Africa.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, held talks yesterday Tuesday, May 25^th, with the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway.

During the first meeting with the Ethiopian minister, Bourita noted the progress made in the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements, especially after the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Addis Ababa in 2016. The two ministers also agreed to continue maintaining this cooperation in sectors of priority such as education, vocational training, infrastructure and agriculture in addition to renewable energies and decentralized cooperation.

After recognizing the enormous potential at the level of bilateral trade exchanges, investments and economic cooperation, the two ministers reaffirmed their common commitment to continue developing their economic partnership by creating an environment more conducive to mutual investments, encouraging investment and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by markets and infrastructure, as they welcomed at the same time a proposal regarding the establishment of the Moroccan-Ethiopian Business Council.

On the other hand, Mekonnen Hassan praised the joint project between Ethiopia and the OCP Group, which established a fertilizer production plant in Dire Dawa, thanking the Kingdom for its support in the agricultural field, stressing that this project represents an ideal model for South-South cooperation.

Moreover, the two ministers valued the creation of the Moroccan-Ethiopian Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access, which promotes universal access to clean and reliable energy, and expressed their strong determination to develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of renewable energies.

The two ministers highlighted the great importance of the joint Moroccan-Ethiopian committee for cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen the existing partnership between the two countries and to explore new areas of cooperation. In this context, they agreed to hold the first session of the committee at an agreed date.

As for the second meeting with Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, the two ministers noted the distinctive friendship and solidarity relations existing between Ghana and Morocco, which were further strengthened through the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in February 2017 to Accra, which culminated in the signing of 25 legal documents that include governmental and other agreements related to the partnership between the public and private sectors in various areas of cooperation.

On the other hand, the two parties welcomed the results of the general elections that Ghana witnessed on December 07, 2020, which took place in an atmosphere of freedom, transparency and respect for the popular will, thus dedicating African optimism based on the political reforms launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Bourita congratulated the Republic of Ghana on its choice to be home to the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as its recent reelection for a second term as Head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighting the personal commitment of President Akufo-Addo in his capacity as chair of the group to find a solution to the political crisis in Mali.

For her part, Botchway reiterated Ghana’s strong support for the AU Resolution No. 693, adopted by heads of state during the 31st Union Summit in July 2018, and which stated the UN’s exclusive supervision, as a consensual framework, on the series that would lead to an acceptable political, realistic, pragmatic and definitive solution to the Saharan issue.

And based on the desire of the two parties to establish an economic partnership based on mutual benefit, it was agreed to strengthen cooperation in the priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, health, vocational training, energy and mining.

The two ministers stressed the importance of implementing the Moroccan-Ghanaian Economic Council with the aim of encouraging the private sector in the two countries to explore other investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, which would constitute a model for South-South cooperation in Africa.

At the multilateral level, Bourita and Botchway pledged to ensure optimal coordination of their actions and support each other within regional and international bodies, as well as to promote the partnership between the two countries in the field of peace and security.

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