The vision and strategic initiatives of King Mohammed VI for the development and integration of the African continent were highlighted at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9),held in Yokohama,Japan.
Speaking at a conference organized on Thursday,Ambassador to Japan andhead of the Moroccan delegation,Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal,presented the royal vision,which places sustainable development,peace,and security in Africa as an absolute priority,as illustrated by structural projects that strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership on the continent.
In this regard,Bouhlal detailed several flagship initiatives led by Morocco,including the Royal Initiative to grant Sahel states access to the Atlantic.
This initiative “aims to connect landlocked nations to global trade routes via Moroccan ports,foster regional value chains,and promote shared prosperity,” he said.
The diplomat also presented the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project,which he described as a “generational corridor” made to improve energy accessibility,stimulate industrialization,and strengthen South-South co-development.
He likewise mentioned the Rabat Process of African Atlantic States among flagship initiatives spearheaded by the King.
Beyond these major infrastructure projects,Morocco’s commitment to Africa further extends to human development. The ambassador explained that the Kingdom collaborates with 49 African countries and trains thousands of students,engineers,and health professionals by offering scholarships and “promoting African expertise in Africa,for Africa.”
On issues of peace and security,the diplomat spotlighted Morocco’s holistic approach,which considers peace,security,and development as an unbreakable triptych.
Bouhlal also underscored Morocco’s unwavering commitment,during its two terms at the African Union Peace and Security Council,to conflict prevention and management,working towards a peaceful,prosperous,and integrated Africa.
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