Rabat: The Global South countries, particularly Africa and Latin America, have enormous potential that should be harnessed and turned into wealth to drive the economic and social development of their peoples, Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives said on Wednesday in Rabat.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, speaking at the opening of the 30th Extraordinary Session of the Forum of the Chairpersons of the Legislative Assemblies of Central America, Caribbean and Mexico (FOPREL), held for two days at the headquarters of the Moroccan Parliament, Talbi El Alami highlighted that Africa and Latin America together hold over 70% of the world’s arable land, most of which remains untapped, with only a small portion currently in use. He also mentioned the major challenges posed by global food security, both in light of current and future crises.
Talbi El Alami emphasized the importance of human resources, pointing out that the majority of the African and Latin American population is compo
sed of youth who need education, training, and integration to become key players in integral development, driving the economy and services in both production and consumption.
He further noted that these countries possess marine resources and have potential for producing green energy, which is pivotal in addressing the global challenge of climate change. Despite their potential, these regions face significant challenges that need to be transformed into opportunities for development and rebirth. He explained that these countries experience the effects of climate change more acutely and that their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming does not exceed 12%.
Migration was cited as a common challenge faced by Latin America and Africa. Talbi El Alami noted that migration trends primarily occur within the same geographical, continental, or regional areas, yet migrants often face stigmatization, despite migration being acknowledged as a source of mutual enrichment.
The connection be
tween Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Morocco was highlighted, emphasizing their potential role in addressing these challenges due to their geographical location, potential, and cultural wealth. He highlighted Morocco’s strategic position as a facilitator of cooperation, trade, and investment, due to its location on the Atlantic, its proximity to Europe, and its deep roots in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Talbi El Alami spoke about Morocco’s infrastructure developments, such as ports and major projects in the southern provinces, which offer opportunities to enhance cooperation and exchanges with African countries. He referenced the Strategic Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, aimed at enabling Africa’s Sahel landlocked countries to access the Atlantic Ocean, which would foster infrastructure development and enhance trade and movement.
Morocco’s achievements in renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime fishing, recognized globally, were also highlighted. Talbi El Alami positioned
Morocco as a strategic partner for Latin American countries, offering its network of relations across Africa, Europe, and other regions through numerous trade agreements.
The speaker concluded by calling for shared values and openness to strengthen economic cooperation and mutual support, emphasizing respect for international law and territorial integrity as fundamental pillars of stability.