Morocco Strengthens African Partnerships at China-Africa Cooperation Forum

Tuesday 03 September 2024 - 14:10

Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Morocco, China, and other African nations.

The FOCAC, celebrating its 24th anniversary this year, serves as the primary multilateral coordination platform between African countries and China. Held from September 4 to 6, 2024, the forum alternates its location every three years between an African nation and China, embodying a strategic partnership between the two regions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Senegalese Foreign Minister Yassine Fall co-chaired the ministerial meeting, with Senegal currently holding the rotating co-presidency of FOCAC for Africa. The coalition, built on principles of solidarity, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, saw ministers reviewing and adopting the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

This declaration, endorsed by 189 countries, is recognized as a transformative blueprint for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls globally. The forum provided Bourita with opportunities to engage with several counterparts, exploring strategies to enhance peace, stability, and development across the African continent.

Discussions at the forum emphasized active bilateral South-South cooperation and the strengthening of ties with China within the FOCAC framework. This aligns with Morocco's broader efforts to expand its international cooperation and bilateral relationships.

In a related diplomatic endeavor, Bourita also participated in the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali. The IAF, themed "The Spirit of the Bandung Conference for Africa's Agenda 2063," focused on bolstering economic collaboration between Indonesia and African nations.

At the IAF gathering, Bourita highlighted Morocco's potential to support major initiatives, including the Royal Initiative. This initiative aims to improve Sahelian countries' access to the Atlantic Ocean by enhancing the accessibility of Morocco's transportation infrastructure to landlocked Sahelian states.

These diplomatic engagements underscore Morocco's commitment to fostering stronger ties with both Asian and African partners, positioning itself as a key player in promoting economic development and regional stability.