French Expert Praises HM King Mohammed VI's Vision for Africa's Maritime Strategy
Franco-Swiss political analyst Jean Marie Heydt on Wednesday hailed the strategic vision of HM King Mohammed VI in strengthening Africa's maritime role, calling it a timely and ambitious initiative to harness the continent's oceanic potential.
'His Majesty King Mohammed VI has called for an innovative vision to develop Africa's oceanic assets,' Heydt said in comments to MAP following the Sovereign's message to the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit, held in Nice as part of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. The message was delivered by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, representing HM the King at the event.
Heydt described HM the King's approach as 'bold and strategic,' aimed at repositioning Africa within the global maritime landscape while promoting sustainable development and reinforcing African sovereignty over marine resources.
Despite being home to 38 coastal states and vast maritime zones, Africa remains underrepresented in international ocean governance, Heydt noted. The Sovereign's appeal, he said, advocates for a strategic reassessment of the continent's maritime priorities, grounded in shared responsibility and enhanced regional cooperation.
The Royal vision, he added, focuses on three main pillars: technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and strengthened regional collaboration. He also commended Morocco's 'exemplary' commitment to sustainability and marine protection.
Heydt cited the launch of the Atlantic African States Process under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI as a key milestone. 'The initiative aims to establish collective governance along Africa's Atlantic seaboard,' he said.
Regional cooperation will be essential to advancing this agenda, Heydt added, noting Morocco's strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as its stability and diplomatic reach, make it a key facilitator.
He concluded that HM the King's call for a renewed African maritime strategy reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking vision, positioning Morocco as a credible and influential actor in shaping Africa's ocean policy.
MAP: 12 June 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Ya Biladi
China to eliminate tariffs on African exports, Morocco among beneficiaries
China has announced plans to eliminate all tariffs on goods from 53 African countries it maintains diplomatic ties with, including Morocco. The move, announced following a meeting between senior Chinese and African officials in Changsha, is part of a broader economic pact aimed at boosting African exports to the Chinese market. The initiative will extend duty-free access beyond least developed countries (LDCs) to include middle-income nations. «It enables middle-income countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco... to be able to now enter the Chinese market duty-free» Hannah Ryder, head of the Africa-focused consultancy Development Reimagined, told Reuters on Thursday. The move is expected to boost access for value-added African products to the vast Chinese market. Morocco, with its growing industrial base, particularly in automotive and agri-food sectors, stands to benefit. It is worth noting that Moroccan exports to China reached $1.3 billion in 2024, a figure expected to rise under the new plan. En 2024, les exportations marocaines vers la #Chine se sont élevées à 1,3 milliard de dollars. Avec la nouvelle mesure de zéro #tarif, ce chiffre va continuer d'augmenter. — Ambassade de Chine au Maroc (@ChineAmbMaroc) June 13, 2025 The Chinese foreign ministry also pledged additional support for LDCs to ensure they are not disadvantaged by the new arrangement. The measure could help rebalance trade, which remains skewed in China's favor. Last year, China recorded a $62 billion trade surplus with Africa.
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Roundtable in Rabat Celebrates 25 Years of Deepened Sino-Moroccan Relations
Doha – Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held yesterday in Rabat, organized by Dar Attaouhidi and hosted at Librairie les Étoiles. The event brought together key figures, including Chinese Ambassador Li Changlin, Moroccan sinologist Nasser Bouchiba, and Confucius Institute Director Karima El Yatribi, with Med Bachir Znagui moderating the dialogue. The two countries share a robust historical foundation. Morocco became the second African country after Egypt to officially recognize the People's Republic of China on November 1, 1958, just two years after gaining independence from colonial rule. Both countries, having endured colonialism, embrace similar international relations principles centered on multilateralism, non-interference, and respect for territorial integrity. China has emerged as Morocco's third-largest commercial partner and its primary supplier since 2021. This advancement stems from policies initiated after the Cold War and initiatives undertaken during King Mohammed VI's reign over the past quarter century. In 2002, the two countries signed a convention to avoid double taxation, easing cross-border trade and investments. The watershed moment arrived in 2016 with a strategic agreement signed during the King's state visit to Beijing. Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held yesterday in Rabat. Ambassador Li Changlin elaborated on recent developments in industrial and political cooperation. He recalled the stop in Casablanca last November by President Xi Jinping, where he met with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan to assess bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives on human and cultural resources. 'Today, the Chinese and Moroccan people understand each other better than ever, especially regarding their comparative advantages,' Ambassador Li stated during the roundtable. The diplomat observed that while many Moroccan entrepreneurs operate in China, others remain hesitant. To bridge this knowledge gap, the Chinese Embassy plans to organize business visits for Moroccans. 'A vision is worth more than a thousand descriptions. It's up to you to choose your development partners,' he asserted. Regarding tourism promotion, a Chinese restaurant in Tangier will serve as the setting for a reality TV show aimed at boosting Moroccan tourism. Ambassador Li projected that Chinese visitors to Morocco will surpass 200,000 this year. On the trade front, China will implement a zero-percent customs tariff for 53 African countries, including Morocco, allowing Moroccan products duty-free entry into Chinese markets. The ambassador also addressed questions about China's stance on the Western Sahara dispute, revealing he regularly discusses this matter in diplomatic circles but noted the topic rarely surfaces in China. He clarified that the issue should be resolved within the United Nations framework. Li Changlin confirmed that Beijing shares Rabat's approach regarding Gaza and Palestine. Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held yesterday in Rabat. A rising axis of trade, culture, and technology Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) after the event, Nasser Bouchiba stressed the vitality of diplomatic and political connections between Morocco and China, noting exceptional growth in economic exchanges as well. Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held yesterday in Rabat. For her part, Karima El Yatribi detailed the role of the Confucius Institute, a partnership between Mohammed V University and Beijing International Studies University. The institute arranges cultural and scientific events for students pursuing Chinese language studies. 'The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to say, 'Seek knowledge, even if it is in China.' Today, China is present here thanks to the language and its openness to teaching it through the Confucius Institute,' El Yatribi told MWN. She described how the institute offers classes for various age groups, from eight-year-old children to adults and middle-aged learners. 'Learning Chinese opens doors to Chinese culture, technology, scientific research, and artificial intelligence,' she added, noting that 'going to China is no longer difficult' as it provides scholarships for dedicated language study. When it comes to international initiatives, Morocco stands as the first African country to join the 'Belt and Road Initiative' launched by China in 2013. This engagement was reinforced by a joint implementation convention signed in 2022. The Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City has evolved into a new hub for Chinese investments in Morocco, hosting several major projects by Chinese industrial groups. Key sectors attracting Chinese investors include the automotive industry, with Chinese companies concentrating on battery production and materials for electric vehicles. Additionally, the energy sector buzzes with activity as Chinese firms engage in both conventional and renewable energy projects. Infrastructure and hydraulics constitute another important area of cooperation. Chinese enterprises have secured strategic contracts for seawater desalination and the extension of the high-speed rail line connecting Kenitra to Marrakech and Agadir. On top of this, a Chinese group is constructing an underground tunnel near Rabat and expanding the capital's airport. Cultural and tourism exchanges have intensified through increased air connections between the two countries. The operation of three Confucius Institutes across Morocco contributes to the spread of Chinese culture and encourages dialogue between the peoples. Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held yesterday in Rabat. In his remarks to MWN, Ambassador Li summarized: 'We presented the current state of progress in Sino-Moroccan relations and outlined promising prospects for cooperation in the coming years. It must be noted that over the past two to three years, there has been a dynamic momentum in Sino-Moroccan cooperation.' He concluded that following King Mohammed VI's historic visit, 'a new chapter unfolded in diversifying the partnership between China and Morocco,' pointing to growing Chinese investment flowing into the automotive industry, renewable energy, and textile sector. Read also: Minister Mezzour: China-Morocco Partnership is 'Tangible' in Industry, Trade, Logistics
Ya Biladi
5 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Foreign Minister meets with head of France-Morocco friendship group
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, held talks on Thursday in Rabat with Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the French Senate, who is leading a delegation on a working visit to the Kingdom. Speaking to the press following the meeting, Cambon expressed satisfaction with the «fruitful exchanges» between the two sides and emphasized the importance of the long-standing bilateral dialogue. He described the 2024–2025 period as rich in positive developments, recalling in particular the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco in October 2024, during which France reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom's sovereignty over the Sahara. Cambon noted that the delegation members, «bringing together diverse perspectives but united in their respect and affection for Morocco», came to reaffirm their commitment to helping write a new chapter in French-Moroccan relations, in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI and President Macron. To deepen this privileged partnership, Cambon called for the reactivation of the Moroccan-French Interparliamentary Forum, whose fourth and most recent edition was held in December 2019 in Paris. On the topic of renewable energy, Cambon described Morocco's experience as «inspiring», saying he believes that Morocco and France can work together to shape a new vision for the African continent in this vital sector. Beyond the traditional cultural and scientific ties and strong people-to-people connections, Cambon said that parliamentary diplomacy offers additional avenues to strengthen the relationship between Rabat and Paris.
