Latest news with #ArmandoBarucco
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan historian Bahija Simou honored with Italian Order of Merit for cultural contributions
The director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the insignia of Commander of the Order of Merit of Italy for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and the Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. These insignia were presented to her by the Italian ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President of the Republic, during the celebration of his country's national day. According to Armando Barucco, this high distinction, of which only ten are awarded each year, pays tribute to «a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the enhancement of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy». An internationally recognized historian, Bahija Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on the political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, illustrated by numerous reference publications. She is also a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian Leonardo MedOr Foundation and plays a central role in Euro-Mediterranean academic meetings, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, Bahija Simou expressed her deep gratitude to the Italian authorities, praising «the honor and strong symbolism» of this distinction. She emphasized that her research on Italy highlights «the geopolitical importance of Morocco and Italy in the Euro-Mediterranean space». She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance towards Italy, which became, after independence, one of the kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by Mohammed V. Bahija Simou was keen to remind that this distinction «not only crowns a personal journey but also consecrates a commitment to a living, inclusive history that refuses to forget and values memories long kept in the shadows».
Ya Biladi
28-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
OCP and SACE sign €365M green financing deal to boost sustainability in Morocco
The OCP Group and SACE, an Italian insurance and finance group controlled by Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance, announced on Tuesday the signing of a green financing agreement worth €365 million. This is the first financing secured under OCP's Green Finance Framework and marks the first transaction guaranteed in Morocco as part of SACE's Push Strategy. According to a joint statement, this partnership reinforces OCP's commitment to sustainability and innovation in plant and soil nutrition solutions. The financing, structured as an untied export credit, is backed by comprehensive insurance coverage under SACE's Push Strategy and was arranged by BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB). In line with OCP's Green Finance Framework, the funds will support the company's $13 billion green investment program for 2023–2027. This includes a goal to rely 100% on non-conventional water sources by early 2025, reaching a desalination capacity of 560 million m³ per year by 2027, ensuring complete water autonomy. The program also aims to achieve 100% clean energy use by 2027, complete carbon neutrality by 2040 (with Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2040), and a significant increase in green fertilizer production to support sustainable agriculture and global food security. Beyond financing, the agreement also opens new business opportunities for OCP Group and Italian suppliers through business matchmaking initiatives organized by SACE. SACE's Push Strategy is designed to support Italian export opportunities in strategic sectors of the Mattei Plan for Africa, such as green technologies, as well as mechanical and hydraulic components. Armando Barucco, Italy's ambassador to Morocco, welcomed the initiative as a boost to economic collaboration, unlocking new opportunities across multiple sectors and consolidating a solid foundation for trade and bilateral investments. Michal Ron, SACE's international director, described the Push Strategy as a key tool for creating new export opportunities, particularly for SMEs. For his part, Karim Lotfi Senhadji, OCP's Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the importance of the partnership in accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy and 100% non-conventional water, with the aim of securing OCP's leadership in sustainable plant nutrition solutions.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco: A Strategic Actor for African Stability Under King Mohammed VI's Leadership
Rabat — Morocco's leading model continues to attract international commendation for its role in the African continent. Nigerian magazine The New Africa has honored the country's role as a 'strategic actor' promoting stability in Africa under King Mohammed VI's leadership. The magazine celebrated Morocco for being a reliable mediator and promoter of dialogue during times of crisis. Morocco's African diplomacy extends beyond economic development to actively promote peace and dialogue across the continent, it argued. Leveraging its international credibility, Morocco has played a crucial role in mediation efforts throughout Africa. The magazine referred to the Skhirat and Bouznika processes, which have vitally contributed to the ongoing political process to resolve the Libyan crisis. By establishing itself as a reliable African player, the North African country has strengthened its presence on the international stage. Read also: Italian Ambassador Recognizes Morocco's Role as Bridge Between Africa, Europe Morocco's Atlantic vision has created new spaces for dialogue between Africa and Latin America, laying the foundation for a foreign policy model that places Africa at its center. Beyond political dialogue, the Nigerian magazine pointed out Morocco's contribution to cultural and spiritual cooperation. It particularly spoke of the country's significant role in fortifying resilience against extremist ideologies, particularly through institutions like the Mohammed VI Institute for Training Imams and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Islamic Scholars. Under King Mohammed VI's leadership, the magazine stressed, Morocco's African policy has yielded international respect and significant partnerships. The magazine referred to the Royal Atlantic Africa initiative, arguing that Rabat's leading model of cooperation has been successful in developing major projects in energy, logistics, and food security. The New Africa magazine also recalled the North African country's rooted connection with West Africa, including landlocked Sahel countries. Morocco's leading role in Africa Morocco has proven itself as a major player both in Africa and on the international scene. The country plays a major role as a bridge between Africa and Europe, allowing for the economic growth of the African continent. In March, Italian ambassador to Morocco Armando Barucco described the country as a 'genuine hub' between Africa and Europe. Barucco spoke of Morocco's efforts to develop infrastructure and stability for the Sahel countries. Tags: AfricaMoroccoMorocco and Africa
Morocco World
24-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Italian Ambassador Recognizes Morocco's Role as Bridge Between Africa, Europe
Rabat – Morocco's leadership is getting more international recognition for its leading roles connecting Europe and Africa. Italy's ambassador to the country Armando Barucco described the North African country as a 'genuine hub' between the two continents. In a remote interview with Italian Italpress news agency, Barucco said the country 'strives to develop infrastructure and stability for the Sahel countries.' He noted Morocco's wealthy investment atmosphere, which offers opportunities for infrastructure projects. The Italian diplomat also stressed that the country's position in North Africa provides his country's companies access to Africa's economy, trade, and industry. Barucco also noted the importance of security collaboration and partnership with Morocco, calling it a 'fundamental' country on that matter. The Italian ambassador recalled the robust bilateral cooperation between Italy and Morocco, particularly in economic and commercial sectors, noting an 'extraordinary' recovery following the pandemic. He also encouraged Italian investors to seize opportunities in Morocco, especially as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Read also: Historical Documents Reveal Moroccan Italian Relations in 1875 The ambassador added that Morocco is a key partner for Italy in renewables and energy transition within the framework of the Mattei plan. He recognized Morocco's leadership role in supporting African nations through its triangular program focused on energy transition and regional integration. Cooperation between the two nations spans multiple industries including automotive, healthcare, training, waste management, railroads, seawater desalination, scientific research, and joint development projects. The diplomat commended Morocco's modernization and investments across various sectors including infrastructure, communications technology, and renewable and green energy. He announced that Morocco will soon host an office of 'La Cassa Depositi e Prestiti,' joining the select few countries represented by this Italian public institution that finances diverse projects. Italy is one of the North African country's top trading partners and has nearly 200 Italian companies established in Morocco across diverse sectors. Tags: Morocco Europe AfricaMorocco italyMorocco leadership
