Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, emphasized on Thursday that King Mohammed VI believes that the Atlantic African space cannot hold a marginal position in the world; it is a geostrategic hub and a dynamic link between continents, serving as a lever for innovation and resilience.
In an address to the fifth ministerial meeting of Atlantic African states held in Praia, Cape Verde, Bourita highlighted that “Our duty is to make this vision a visible, tangible, and sustainable reality.”
He affirmed that the Atlantic African partnership is not merely a strategic tool but also a political, economic, and human process, noting that this partnership embodies the ambition for an Africa that does not yield to the whims of history but chooses its direction and charts its course with foresight, confidence, and solidarity.
On this occasion, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s full commitment to elevating this dynamic, ensuring its continuity, and expanding its scope.
The minister praised the dynamism, coherence, stability, and collective will exhibited by the countries involved in the Atlantic African process for engaging the Atlantic African space in a framework of work, solidarity, and shared prosperity, underscoring that “the Atlantic African space is not merely a geographical area, but a strategic reality in its own right, capable of taking charge of its affairs.”
He stressed that this “reality stems from a shared conviction that our future will be more secure, prosperous, and sustainable if we build it together.”
In this context, Bourita mentioned that the royal initiative has resulted in an unprecedented African partnership, embodying the essence of shared responsibility. He added that it has laid the groundwork for a new model of cooperation characterized by a practical approach and ambition to achieve its goals, which include sustainable development, maritime security, environmental protection, and combating transnational threats.
Bourita noted that the Atlantic Africa “is at a critical juncture today; it is receiving significant and increasing attention, yet it also faces various challenges, both structural and incidental.” He called on Atlantic African countries, amidst the formation of other geostrategic spaces in Europe, America, and Asia, to listen to a “clear, reliable, and effective voice” by ensuring “the strengthening of our inter-regional roots, expanding circles of cooperation, and deepening agreements.”
The minister clarified that “this is not merely a political ambition, but a necessity for sovereignty and development,” considering that “the practical approach we are pursuing together embodies this: the Justice Ministers’ Forum (April 2024), the Meeting of Parliamentary Leaders (February 2025), and the conference on maritime security and counter-terrorism (January 2025) are milestones that have contributed to broadening the scope of work and solidifying the coherence of our approach.”
In the framework of this practical approach, Bourita added, the Praia meeting serves as an opportunity for clear assessment and strategic planning, noting that the implementation report confirms that this partnership is progressing well, outlining concrete actions and proposing relevant recommendations. Among these recommendations is the organization of sectoral meetings, like those of the Justice Ministers, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of the multi-sectoral and decentralized approach; the establishment of national coordination mechanisms, which are essential to connect the internal actions of countries with the regional dynamics of the process; and the inclusion of aquaculture in action plans as a strategic area that intersects food security, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Bourita affirmed that Morocco fully supports these recommendations and is ready to contribute effectively, especially through the expertise of its institutions, sharing its experiences, and mobilizing its partners. The minister urged for making the Atlantic African space “a lever for solidarity, a driver for shared prosperity, and a fortress for stability.”
