Akhannouch Sees in China-Africa Summit an Occasion to Reaffirm Morocco’s Commitment in Favor of Africa’s Development

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit was an opportunity to reaffirm Morocco’s commitment to the development of the African continent, in line with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, stated the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, on Friday in Beijing. The projects launched by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty the King attracted the attention of Chinese and African officials, particularly those related to regional integration and sustainable development in Africa, said Akhannouch, who represents His Majesty King Mohammed VI at this Summit, held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing. During this key event, Morocco highlighted various initiatives it has launched for the benefit of the African continent in various fields, Akhannouch noted, citing in particular the international initiative of HM King Mohammed VI aimed at facilitating access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. This major African project launched by Morocco is likely to create a relevant and effective partnership space between Morocco, China, and Africa, observed the Head of Government. Furthermore, he emphasized that Morocco also expressed, during this Summit, its willingness to actively engage in various programs of common interest for the African continent and China, notably related to infrastructure, agriculture, education, and health. Akhannouch stressed that the projects initiated by the Kingdom of Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King, were highly praised by Chinese and African officials during this Summit. In this regard, he noted that the ten action plans on cooperation with Africa, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC opening ceremony, align with the programs launched by Morocco under the guidance of His Majesty the King in favor of the African continent. Akhannouch also welcomed the meetings held with Chinese officials, noting that the Sovereign’s visit to the People’s Republic of China in May 2016 gave a strong boost to relations between the two countries, following the signing of the bilateral strategic partnership. In this context, the Head of Government expressed the Kingdom’s desire to further strengthen its fruitful and strategic cooperation with China, particularly within the framework of the triangular and multidimensional partnership between Morocco, China, and Africa.