Omar Hilale reaffirms Morocco's commitment to African integration

On the occasion of the 3rd G77+China Summit, organised on 21 January in Kampala (the capital of Uganda), Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of effective solidarity, unity and the common destiny of Africa, according to Omar Hilale, Morocco's permanent representative to the United Nations.   

In his speech, Hilale placed particular emphasis on the series of structural projects and initiatives that Morocco is implementing in order to achieve regional integration in Africa. Through an integrated and comprehensive approach, the North African country is also consolidating its strategic partnerships and establishing new ones with various African countries.  

Under the slogan "Leave no one behind", the G77+China Summit represented an interesting space for the Moroccan diplomat who underlined that "We are not only obliged to renew our commitment to leave no one behind, but also to implement this commitment effectively at the national and international level through the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the concrete contribution to a new dynamic in international cooperation".  

In his address to the assembly, Hilale called for greater cooperation and strong solidarity among the member states of the group in order to be able to boost multilateral cooperation. 

Hilale explained that the approach based on the principles of solidarity, co-development and the establishment of peace and stability is the key to implementing Morocco's ambitious structural cooperation projects in Africa. 

"These projects cover a number of strategic sectors such as agriculture, health, energy and infrastructure," Hilale added.  The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project is an emblematic example of this strategic partnership.  

In parallel, the Atlantic African States Initiative, launched by Morocco together with 22 African countries, is also part of projects aimed at regional integration. It also serves to create the ideal conditions for the common economic take-off and development of Africa's Atlantic coast, according to Omar Hilale.  

The Moroccan initiative aims to establish an institutional framework for exchanging consultations and experiences on strategic issues aimed at strengthening security, stability and common prosperity in the region. 

The Moroccan representative at the 3rd Summit of the Group of 77 plus China mentioned several international initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI that aim to facilitate the access of Sahel States to the Atlantic Ocean. In practice, Morocco has already made its road, port and rail infrastructure available to these States.   

"This initiative also serves as a pragmatic platform to promote the development of infrastructure in the Sahel countries, connecting them to the transport and communication networks of their region, with the aim of contributing to the opening up of these states and achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)," Hilale explained.  

In its cooperation with African countries, Morocco continues to prioritise food security issues, launching large-scale projects for the production and supply of affordable fertilisers in several countries, which contributes to the achievement of food security in these countries.