Fostering Regional Connectivity: Morocco's Atlantic Initiative for Sahel Development

Saturday 17 February 2024 - 17:11

In a recent Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation held in Rabat, international lawmakers gathered to commend Morocco's visionary plan aimed at bolstering maritime and aviation connections between Sahel nations and the Atlantic Ocean. Led by King Mohammed VI, this strategic initiative seeks to position Morocco's Atlantic coast as a pivotal hub for trade and development across West Africa.

The conference, themed "Promoting Partnerships for Integration and Development," convened over 260 participants from 40 countries, representing parliamentary bodies from Africa, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Discussions revolved around addressing infrastructure gaps and enhancing investment in the African Atlantic region, emphasizing the critical importance of improved logistical links by sea and air.

In their final declaration, the parliamentarians lauded Morocco's leadership in spearheading solidarity initiatives under King Mohammed VI to foster South-South cooperation. This ambitious framework, encompassing 23 Atlantic coastal nations, aims to facilitate the exchange of goods, optimize cross-border investment, and establish closer production networks between Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America.

Furthermore, lawmakers underscored the need to draw inspiration from such visionary plans to enhance coordination on various issues, including sovereignty, food security, energy, health, trade, and sustainable development. Collaborating with regional parliamentary groups, the conference highlighted Morocco's pivotal role in initiating development partnerships to leverage its Atlantic shoreline for the collective benefit of Sahel nations.

His Majesty King Mohammed's initiative not only unlocks new potential to enhance prosperity across West Africa but also opens up Atlantic access for landlocked Sahel countries. The widespread international support for this plan suggests the potential for a new era of strengthened ties and inclusive growth across the Southern hemisphere.