Morocco Ready to Enhance Partnership with Indonesia and African Nations

A Vision for Strengthened Cooperation

On Monday, September 2, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia, Morocco's commitment to enhancing partnerships with Indonesia and African nations was reaffirmed. In alignment with the high vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is prepared to leverage its experience to bolster South-South and trilateral cooperation. This announcement was made by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, during the opening of the second edition of the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF).

Key Initiatives for Regional Growth

Minister Bourita highlighted Morocco's readiness to implement key initiatives that could significantly strengthen regional growth. Among these is the Royal Initiative aimed at providing landlocked Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. This initiative involves utilizing Morocco's roads, ports, and railway networks to facilitate connectivity. Additionally, the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project is seen as a crucial driver for fostering integrated regional growth within the Atlantic zone.

Focus on Food Security and Health Investment

The cooperation framework also extends to critical areas such as food security and the modernization of African agriculture. In the current geostrategic context, these areas are of paramount importance. Moreover, investment in the health sector and ensuring health sovereignty are emphasized, given their close ties to the economic and social development of African nations.

A Model of South-South Cooperation

Minister Bourita emphasized that the Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as an exemplary model of South-South cooperation. It is designed to address the challenges faced by both parties by moving beyond traditional cooperation approaches. The forum aims to adopt new, inclusive, innovative, and integrated strategies.

Building a Platform for Constructive Cooperation

Expressing his aspirations for the forum, Minister Bourita envisioned it as a platform for coordinating fruitful and constructive cooperation. This includes enhancing Indonesian investments in Africa and establishing bilateral and trilateral partnerships in promising and vital sectors. These sectors include infrastructure, industry, technology, renewable energy, tourism, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to stimulate development and create more employment opportunities across the continent.

Conclusion

The commitment of Morocco to strengthen partnerships with Indonesia and African countries marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable development and regional integration. By focusing on innovative cooperation models and strategic investments, Morocco aims to play a pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity in the region.

FAQ

1. What is the main goal of Morocco's cooperation with Indonesia and African nations?

The main goal is to strengthen partnerships through South-South and trilateral cooperation, focusing on regional growth, food security, health investment, and innovative cooperation models.

2. What are the key initiatives highlighted by Morocco?

Key initiatives include the Royal Initiative for Sahel countries' access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, both aimed at fostering regional growth.

3. Why is food security and health investment important in this cooperation?

Food security and health investment are crucial due to their impact on economic and social development, especially in the current geostrategic context.

4. How does the Indonesia-Africa Forum contribute to this cooperation?

The forum serves as a model of South-South cooperation, adopting new strategies to address challenges and enhance partnerships between Indonesia and African nations.

5. What sectors are targeted for investment and partnership?

Targeted sectors include infrastructure, industry, technology, renewable energy, tourism, and artificial intelligence, aiming to stimulate development and create job opportunities.