Rabat – The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline strategic project is designed to promote regional integration, boost joint economic growth and serve development objectives in the African countries bordering the Atlantic, underlined His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
In a speech delivered, on Monday evening, to the Nation on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Glorious Green March, the Sovereign stressed that Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline will also guarantee energy supplies for European countries, recalling that it was that same policy which prompted Morocco to launch an initiative for the creation of an institutional framework that brings together the twenty-three African countries bordering the Atlantic in order to promote security, stability and shared prosperity.
The Sovereign also suggested to launch an international initiative to enable the Sahel countries to have access to the Atlantic Ocean, noting that the success of such an initiative, however, hinges on upgrading infrastructure in the Sahel countries and seeking to connect it to transport and communication networks existing in the region.
In this sense, HM the King said He believes that “such an initiative will bring about a fundamental transformation not only in the economies of these countries, but also in the entire region,” adding that “Morocco is willing to put its road, port and rail infrastructure at the disposal of these sister countries.”
The Sovereign also said that the problems and difficulties facing African sister countries in the Sahel region will not be solved by security and military measures alone, but rather by an approach based on cooperation and shared development, stressing that Morocco, a stable and credible country, is keenly aware of the stakes and challenges for African countries in general, and those bordering the Atlantic in particular.
Despite skilled human capital and abundant natural resources, the African region along the Atlantic coast suffers from a significant deficit in infrastructure and investment, underlined HM the King, noting that with that in mind, “we have been working with African sister nations and with our partners to come up with practical and effective answers to this situation within the framework of international cooperation.”
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse