Morocco Strengthens Indonesian Ties at IAF Forum 2024: A Commitment to Bilateral Growth

Indonesia-Morocco relations have been steadily strengthening since 2013 when the two nations established a joint commission to enhance cooperation in investment, tourism, trade, and human resources. This bilateral commitment was further solidified at the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) held in Bali from September 2 to 3, 2024.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita represented King Mohammed VI at the forum, which was inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The event brought together numerous heads of state, government officials, and African ministers under the theme “The Spirit of the Bandung Conference for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” aiming to boost economic collaboration between Indonesia and Africa.

Morocco's Initiatives for Regional Growth and Cooperation

Bourita praised the successful organization of the forum, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to participating in the event as a reflection of its strong bilateral ties with Indonesia. In his remarks, Bourita highlighted Morocco’s readiness to share its experience in strengthening partnerships with Indonesia and other African countries through South-South and trilateral cooperation.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the Royal Atlantic Initiative, designed to improve Sahelian countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean by making Morocco’s roads, ports, and rail networks accessible to landlocked Sahelian states. This initiative, spearheaded by the Moroccan government with international backing, aims to drive economic growth, bolster regional cooperation, and promote sustainable development across Atlantic Africa.

Another significant project mentioned was the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline. This initiative, born from the shared vision of King Mohammed VI and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, aims to enable the export of Nigerian natural gas to European markets. This collaboration also promises to boost food security, agricultural development, and modernization across Africa, especially in the current geopolitical context.

Morocco-Indonesia Partnership

Bourita emphasized that the IAF exemplifies a model of South-South cooperation adept at tackling the challenges faced by both regions. He expressed a commitment to evolving the forum into a platform for effective collaboration, aimed at increasing Indonesian investments in Africa and fostering bilateral ties in key areas such as infrastructure, industry, technology, renewable energy, tourism, and artificial intelligence (AI).

On the sidelines of the forum, Bourita met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation between Morocco and Indonesia. The two nations established diplomatic relations in 1960 and agreed to form a joint commission in 2013 to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Forum to Tackle Global Challenges

Bourita proposed the establishment of a regular economic forum that would engage the private sector in addressing global challenges like water scarcity. He noted that this issue threatens progress, economic and social development, and the security and stability of nations.

He recalled the King’s recent 25th Throne Day speech, which focused on the importance of water resource management, the need for increased effort and vigilance, and the development of innovative solutions and governance models for a brighter and sustainable future.

In August, Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament, highlighted in a press conference the urgency of water-related projects. Among these, he mentioned the 2020-2027 National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAPEI) and its importance in guaranteeing and mitigating the water deficit’s hard-hitting consequences throughout Morocco.

The second Indonesia-Africa Forum marked a significant step in strengthening the bilateral ties between Morocco and Indonesia. With a focus on economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and addressing global challenges, the forum set the stage for a prosperous future for both nations and the African continent as a whole.