Praia: For His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Atlantic Africa is a geostrategic heartland and a matrix of innovation and resilience, as stated by Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, during the 5th ministerial meeting of the Atlantic African States Process (AASP) in Praia, Cape Verde. Bourita emphasized the need to transform this vision into a tangible reality, highlighting the importance of the Atlantic African Partnership as a political, economic, and human process.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to advancing this momentum to ensure its continuity and expansion. He praised the determination of AASP countries to promote action, solidarity, and co-prosperity within the Atlantic African space, which is now recognized as a strategic reality. Bourita stressed that their future would be more secure and prosperous if built together.
The Royal Initiative has led to an unprecedented Afro-African partnership, laying the foundations for a new cooperation paradigm focused on sustainable development, maritime security, environmental protection, and combating transnational threats. Bourita noted that Atlantic Africa is at an inflection point, facing systemic threats, and urged African Atlantic States to strengthen cooperation and synergies.
The Minister highlighted upcoming milestones, including the Forum of Ministers of Justice in April 2024, the meeting of Speakers of Parliaments in February 2025, and the Conference on Maritime Security and the Fight against Terrorism in January 2025. These events aim to broaden the scope of action and enhance the coherence of their approach.
The Praia meeting serves as an opportunity for strategic projection, with the implementation report confirming the partnership’s progress and offering pertinent recommendations. These include organizing sectoral meetings, establishing national coordination mechanisms, and including aquaculture in action plans. Morocco commits to these recommendations, sharing its expertise and mobilizing partners.
Bourita concluded by urging joint efforts to transform the African Atlantic into a lever for unity, shared prosperity, and stability.