Speaking during the Ministerial meeting of the states of Atlantic AfricaMr. Bourita stressed that the reactivation of this geostrategic alliance expresses King Mohammed VI’s vision and commitment to make the African Atlantic area a framework for pragmatic and timely interstate cooperation.
“Our meeting of June last and the Declaration of Rabat emerged, have concretized this vision, erecting the Atlantic zone of Africa in an area of peace, stability and shared prosperity “, he observed, noting that with the Rabat Declaration, African States have shown a strong ambition to place a joint action within the framework of a broader partnership and to deepen integration ties, to address the challenges of the region more effectively and to identify the great potential for cooperation.
Mr. Bourita also indicated that these states have agreed that joint actions are guided by the principles of dynamic and enterprising South-South consultation, solidarity and cooperation, underlining that the international context, which has rarely been as complex as today, confirms the importance of this initiative.
“It also commits us to respond to the imperative to consolidate our partnership. Especially because we face the same challenges and share the same concerns, especially in terms of security, stability and sustainable development, ”she explained.
Underlining the complex, interconnected and multidimensional threats facing the region, the Minister warned of the growing terrorist threats in different parts of Africa with “very negative” repercussions on the stability of the region.
“An effective fight against terrorism requires an integrated approach aimed at actions both in terms of security, promoting the ideals of tolerance and achieving sustainable development”, he recommended, adding that the situation of transnational organized crime in the region is also of great concern. .
“Illicit trafficking weapons, drugs or humans are developing very rapidly and threaten peace and development in the African Atlantic area “he warned.
Mr. Bourita also warned against the threats posed by piracy, which “damage the economic and commercial development prospects of the countries of the region”, specifying that the direct and indirect cost of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea would approach two billion. dollars annually, and this figure does not include all costs incurred by African countries and their partners.
The Minister also stressed that the intertwining of terrorism, separatism and transnational organized crime multiplies the threat by creating “an alliance of the forces of evil”. “No country can tackle these challenges alone”, he stressed, asking that it is necessary to combine efforts, through broad cooperation and coordination.
Referring to the prospects for cooperation, Bourita highlighted the immense partnership opportunities in the region in the areas of the blue economy, maritime cooperation and energy.
(With MAP)
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