Morocco's Vision for an Equitable Africa-Europe Partnership
At a recent high-level meeting between officials from the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), held in Addis Ababa, Morocco's permanent ambassador to the AU, Mohamed Arrouchi, articulated the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a more balanced and ambitious partnership between the two continents. He asserted that such a relationship would be pivotal for the prosperity of both Africa and Europe. Arrouchi highlighted Morocco's readiness to engage in this initiative with a spirit of responsibility, solidarity, and trust, underlining the historical and geographical ties that bind the two regions together.
Arrouchi referred to the Royal Vision concerning the partnership between Africa and the European Union, which emphasizes that both continents are neighbors with shared destinies. He pointed out that Morocco's unique position allows it to naturally connect with both Africa, its home continent, and Europe, its close partner. This dual identity endows Morocco with a special responsibility to facilitate closer ties between the two regions. The ambassador explained that this vision promotes the establishment of an equitable, solidaristic, and mutually beneficial partnership that respects the sovereignty, decisions, and unique characteristics of both parties.
Pillars of Cooperation: Security, Development, and Migration
During his address, Arrouchi emphasized the necessity for peace and security as fundamental components of this cooperation framework. He argued that preventing conflicts, combating terrorism, and dismantling criminal networks must be accompanied by significant investments in development, job creation, education, and the strengthening of robust institutions. He expressed that lasting stability relies on tailored responses to security challenges alongside the creation of opportunities and renewed trust among nations.
On the topic of migration and mobility, Arrouchi advocated for a comprehensive and humane approach. He stressed that efforts to combat human trafficking and illicit smuggling should be paired with the expansion of legal pathways for mobility, particularly for students, researchers, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. In this context, he reiterated the Royal Vision's call to move beyond a security-centric interpretation of migration and to acknowledge the opportunities it presents for both host societies and countries of origin.
According to Arrouchi, the Africa-Europe partnership will gain momentum by concretely connecting the populations of both continents through training, cultural exchanges, and investments in infrastructure, connectivity, renewable energy, and African economic integration. He asserted that the central themes of peace, security, prosperity, mobility, and multilateral cooperation have been increasingly present in the dialogues between Africa and the European Union.
In conclusion, Morocco urges its European partners to assist African nations in accelerating the identification of specific projects that link peace, security, and development, in line with the provisions of the Tangier Declaration concerning these interconnections. Arrouchi noted that the AU Peace Fund could play a significant role in identifying and executing such projects.
As reported by es.le360.ma.
