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The Moroccan prime minister urged countries to implement "effective and inclusive" development support programmes

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PHOTO/FILE - Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch
Margarita Arredondas
Updated: 31/05/23

Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was one of many African leaders attending a summit in Washington this week aimed at strengthening ties with the United States.

During the meeting, Akhannouch underlined his country's willingness to strengthen and support US-Africa partnership and cooperation in various fields. As reported by MAP news agency, the Moroccan Prime Minister assured that strengthening ties with the African continent and with Washington is at the heart of Rabat's interests. 

With regard to ties with other African nations, Akhannouch recalled King Mohammed VI's efforts to consolidate and boost relations with the continent. The Moroccan monarch has made more than 50 state visits to 30 African countries and has signed more than 1,000 agreements in recent years. 

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Similarly, Rabat is keen to increase its bilateral partnership with the United States. According to Akhannouch, Morocco has the "same desire to develop an inclusive and sustainable partnership". In this regard, the Moroccan prime minister referred to the free trade agreement signed by the two countries in 2004, which enabled Rabat to triple the volume of its trade with Washington. Morocco was the first country in Africa to reach a treaty of this type with the United States.

For Akhannouch, it is essential to "identify the strengths of the economies and societies" in order to achieve "the full potential of the partnership". One of Morocco's strengths, according to the prime minister, is its geographical location. The North African country is a key point between Europe, Africa, the Middle East and America. For this reason, "it can contribute to boosting economic and commercial cooperation". 

Akhannouch urged countries to put in place development support programmes that are "effective and inclusive", in line with each country's ambitions.

During his stay in the US capital, the Moroccan Prime Minister held a meeting with Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative. At the meeting, which was also attended by the Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Tai indicated that the United States was "very proud" of the free trade agreement with Morocco. The US trade representative also stressed the importance of further advancing this partnership to address global challenges such as decarbonisation or digitalisation, Le360 reports.

Akhannouch spoke with Meta's president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, and the CEO of Visa. He also watched Morocco's match against France at the White House with President Joe Biden and other African partners. 

The African summit in Washington was attended by some 50 African leaders, as well as representatives of more than 300 US and African companies. Biden expressed his commitment to the continent. "The United States is committed to Africa's future," said Biden, who announced an agreement to boost trade cooperation with the continent. 

"I have announced more than $15 billion in commitments, agreements and two-way trade and investment partnerships to advance shared priorities," the president said during the summit.

The summit addressed common issues and challenges, such as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, security and stability.

Coordinator Americas: José Antonio Sierra

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