Latest news with #MoroccanAgencyforInternationalCooperation
Ya Biladi
10 hours ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Ghana and Morocco to simplify residency, work toward visa-free mobility
In a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue, Ghana has expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan, describing it as the «only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution» to the regional dispute. The announcement came during a joint statement delivered in Rabat by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. The two also held a press briefing following the signing of the declaration and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations. This endorsement reflects a broader strengthening of ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as people-to-people mobility, economic cooperation, and academic exchange. As part of this deepening partnership, both sides announced plans to simplify residency procedures for Moroccan and Ghanaian citizens, with the aim of eventually removing visa requirements altogether. Facilitating Mobility to Strengthen Cooperation In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development between Morocco and Ghana. They also expressed their intention to finalize a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports. In the interim, Minister Bourita announced the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens, allowing them to obtain visas online within 24 hours. «We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens», said Minister Ablakwa during the press briefing. «Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted. This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination». Investing in Human Capital Through Academic Exchange Both countries also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening academic and cultural exchanges. Minister Bourita announced that the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) would increase the number of scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually, across various disciplines. «This is excellent news for us», said Ablakwa. «Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation». Economic and Agricultural Cooperation Ghana and Morocco also reaffirmed their economic partnership, which was initially cemented in 2017 during King Mohammed VI's visit to Accra through the signing of 25 cooperation agreements. According to Ablakwa, these agreements have already «greatly boosted bilateral trade». «We believe that a reciprocal visit would significantly strengthen our ties. Today's meeting lays the groundwork for a future meeting between the King and President John Dramani Mahama», he added. Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, areas with strong economic potential for Africa. The partnership will focus on producing fertilizers tailored to local conditions, including soil types, climate, and staple crops. Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa exporter, will be a key focus. «Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend», said Ablakwa. «Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs, starting with the cocoa sector, which is a vital crop for us». At the regional level, Minister Bourita praised Ghana's continued commitment to African integration, highlighting its active role in ECOWAS, its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and its accession as a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in October 2024.
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's Atlantic African Leadership Wins Ministerial Praise
Doha – Foreign Ministers gathered at the 5th ministerial meeting of the Atlantic African States Process (AASP) in Praia praised Morocco's growing regional leadership role on Thursday. They commended the country's efforts in advancing the initiative aimed at transforming the African Atlantic space into a zone of peace and prosperity. Cape Verde's Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Fiomeno de Carvalho Dias, pointed to Morocco's crucial support. 'The decisive role of the Process's permanent secretariat based in Rabat has been essential to the progress of this initiative,' he told MAP news agency. Dias confirmed Cape Verde's commitment to continue working with all member states. The goal remains creating 'an Atlantic region of peace, prosperity, and shared development.' Gambia's Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara credited Morocco's leadership while noting the initiative 'belongs to all of us.' He said the vision originates from 'the wisdom of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has always advocated for the Atlantic space to be a space of solidarity, peace, and prosperity.' For her part, São Tomé and Príncipe's Foreign Minister Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz described the meeting as 'very positive.' She reaffirmed her country's commitment to implement strategies based on political dialogue. Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa praised the royal initiative as 'a suitable platform for strengthening cooperation.' He called for increased security cooperation to address rising threats in the Atlantic area, including criminal and piracy activities. Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, affirmed the meeting's key purpose. The gathering 'serves to implement His Majesty the King's initiative promoting peace, shared prosperity, and the vitality of the Atlantic coast,' he stated. The meeting adopted the first implementation report since the initiative's launch. Ministers formalized various recommendations and scheduled the next ministerial meeting for September, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. 'Atlantic Africa cannot be a periphery' Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita addressed participants by stressing that the partnership 'is not just a strategic instrument, but also a political, economic, and human process.' 'Our duty is to make it a reality, a visible, tangible and sustainable reality,' Bourita said. He reaffirmed 'the full determination of the Kingdom of Morocco to advance this dynamic, guarantee its continuity, and strengthen its scope.' Bourita pointed to major initiatives reflecting Morocco's approach. These include the Forum of Ministers of Justice in April 2024, the Presidents of Parliaments meeting in February 2025, and the Conference on Maritime Security and Counterterrorism in January 2025. 'For His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Atlantic Africa cannot be a periphery of the global world. It is a geostrategic heart, a dynamic interface between continents,' Bourita declared. The initiative connects with Morocco's plan to provide landlocked Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. This project centers on the Dakhla Atlantique complex in Western Sahara, expected to be completed by late 2028. The first ministerial meeting of African Atlantic states took place in August 2010 in Rabat. After a 13-year pause, the initiative was reactivated in June 2022. King Mohammed VI's speech on November 6, 2023, placed the African Atlantic states at the center of Morocco's African policy. Through this initiative, Morocco continues to strengthen its position as an emerging African power working for an integrated continent. Tags: Atlantic initiativeMorocco and Africa
