South-South Cooperation: A Cornerstone of Moroccan Diplomacy
Rabat: South-South Cooperation as a Strategic Pillar of Royal Diplomacy
On Saturday in Rabat, Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized that South-South cooperation is a fundamental strategic axis of Royal Diplomacy. He highlighted that the development of the Kingdom is closely linked to its regional environment.
Morocco: A Key Player in International Partnerships
Speaking at a panel titled “North-South Transatlantic Partnerships: Expectations vs. Realities,” held during the 14th edition of The Atlantic Dialogues conference organized by the Policy Center for the New South, Mr. Hilale underscored Morocco’s pioneering role in international cooperation, particularly in South-South initiatives.
Due to its geostrategic location at the intersection of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, Morocco acts as a natural bridge connecting different regions of the world.
Towards a New Global Economic Paradigm
The Moroccan ambassador advocated for a profound transformation of the paradigms governing international economic relations, calling for Southern countries to gain full access to their own development opportunities. This includes co-financing, technology transfer, participation in projects, and equitable access to markets.
He stressed the need to move beyond an economic model that confines the South to the export of raw materials, citing Morocco as an example. The Kingdom is currently transforming its phosphate into fertilizers and chemical products while exporting its expertise through South-South cooperation.
A Win-Win Cooperation for Africa
This win-win approach is also reflected in His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s initiative aimed at facilitating access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. According to Mr. Hilale, Morocco’s port, rail, and road infrastructures have positioned the Kingdom as a strategic hub for the development of Sahelian countries and the African Atlantic coast.
Digital Transformation at the Heart of Regional Cooperation
The ambassador also highlighted the technological dimension of this cooperation, mentioning the launch of the Morocco Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub, aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Africa and the Arab world.
This initiative, aligned with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s Vision, positions Morocco as a regional and continental catalyst for inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Bridging Southern Expectations and Northern Interests
Finally, discussions focused on the need to align Southern expectations with the strategic realities and interests of the North to strengthen transatlantic partnerships in a context marked by multipolarity on the international stage.
