Morocco’s African Initiatives Praised at China-Africa Cooperation Forum
Beijing, China – Morocco’s commitment to African development, spearheaded by King Mohammed VI, took center stage at the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, representing the King at the summit, highlighted Morocco’s key initiatives, which garnered significant praise from both Chinese and African leaders.
Akhannouch emphasized Morocco’s dedication to fostering regional integration and sustainable development across Africa. One notable project presented was the King’s visionary plan to improve access to the Atlantic Ocean for landlocked countries in the Sahel region. This ambitious initiative, Akhannouch explained, holds immense potential for a robust trilateral partnership between Morocco, China, and other African nations.
The Prime Minister also underscored Morocco’s eagerness to actively participate in various China-Africa programs, particularly those focused on infrastructure development, agriculture, education, and healthcare. He noted the strong alignment between the ten action plans for cooperation with Africa announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the initiatives championed by Morocco under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.
This positive reception underscores the growing recognition of Morocco’s impactful role in African development. The King’s proactive approach, exemplified by projects like the Atlantic access initiative, positions Morocco as a vital bridge between China and Africa, fostering collaboration and shared prosperity.
Akhannouch went on to praise the robust relationship between Morocco and China, highlighting the significant boost provided by King Mohammed VI’s 2016 visit to China and the subsequent signing of a bilateral strategic partnership. He expressed Morocco’s desire to further strengthen this fruitful collaboration, particularly within the framework of a trilateral and multidimensional partnership between Morocco, China, and Africa.
The Moroccan delegation at FOCAC included prominent figures such as Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates; Mohcine Jazouli, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies; Mohamed Methqal, Ambassador Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation; Abdelkader El Ansari, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Beijing; and Chakib Alj, President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises.
The FOC
