U.S. State Department Hails Morocco’s ‘Extremely Important’ Participation in U.S.-Africa Summit

The U.S. State Department welcomed, Thursday, the “extremely important” participation of Morocco in the Summit of U.S.-Africa leaders, held from 13 to 15 December in Washington. “Having Morocco here (at the summit in Washington) is extremely important,” said Robert Scott, U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the State Department, in a statement to the press on the sidelines of the three-day summit. He noted that Morocco has participated in all discussions relating to strengthening the health system, climate change and economic development. These are important issues for Africa, the United States and the world, said the U.S. official, affirming that the participation of a leading country like Morocco has added value to the summit. Furthermore, the American diplomat praised the “incredible” spirit shown by the national team players at the World Cup in Qatar, adding that the Atlas Lions deserve all the praise. The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit brings together representatives from nearly 50 countries, civil society and the private sector on the African continent, in addition to officials from the U.S. administration and the African Union Commission. Participants in the three-day conclave are discussing issues ranging from the HIV/AIDS pandemic to climate change, democracy, governance, security, trade, investment, and the development of partnerships between African countries and the United States. The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, represents HM King Mohammed VI at the summit.