Strengthening Atlantic Cooperation: Role of Morocco and Atlantic Partners Highlighted by US Administration

Strengthening Atlantic Cooperation: Role of Morocco and Atlantic Partners Highlighted by US Administration

Atlantic Partnership US DoS
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken convened a Ministerial Meeting on the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in New York, on the margin of the United Nations General Assembly, to discuss strategies for fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region through collaboration on sustainable ocean management, food security, and scientific capacity building. During his remarks, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita underscored the significance of Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which aims to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the African Atlantic region, reflecting Morocco's commitment to enhancing collaboration among Atlantic nations.

Launched in 2022 as part of the Rabat Process for Afro-Atlantic States, this initiative empowers African nations to chart their own development paths. Minister Bourita highlighted that the Atlantic front is crucial for Africa’s future, with 23 coastal countries representing 40% of the continent's population and facilitating 70% of its trade, showcasing the region's rich potential in sectors like tourism and mineral resources while addressing pressing challenges.

However, issues such as terrorism, climate change, and the overexploitation of marine resources pose significant threats to the region's stability and prosperity, necessitating coordinated efforts from both African and global partners. Notable progress under the Rabat Process includes establishing a permanent Secretariat in Rabat, adopting a comprehensive work program, and creating a Forum of Justice Ministers.

Following the meeting, a statement from the White House reaffirmed the U.S. administration's commitment to a stable and prosperous Atlantic region, emphasizing partnerships with nations like Morocco. It highlighted initiatives such as the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), co-chaired by Morocco, which aims to promote responsible ocean resource use while protecting marine biodiversity.

Morocco also convened the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Atlantic African States Process on the margins of the UNGA. During this meeting, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of enhancing the institutional and programmatic framework of the Process. This includes establishing a Secretariat, forming 3 Thematic Groups, creating a Forum of Ministers of Justice, and adopting a comprehensive Program of Action. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration and the adoption of three Action Plans.

Twitter Notifications Facebook Language selector Search icon Menu icon Message icon Closing icon YouTube icon Scroll icon Arrow down Map of Morocco icon Map of Africa icon Map of Europe icon world's map icon Navigation Arrow Eye icon Sharing icon Point icon Play icon Pause icon News actuality icon Extend icon Print icon Social network share icon Calendar icon Whatsapp icon Journalist icon Radio icono Television icon Quote icon Location icon world's map icon Pin icon Previous icon Next icon PDF icon Icon to increase the text Icon to decrease the text Google plus icon Decree icon Organigram icon Icon left arrow Instagram