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Denver- Ambassador Amrani stressed the importance of establishing a partnership with South Africa, and highlighted the potential results from active collaboration between the two economic powerhouses.
In an article for the South African Institute of International Affairs, Amrani stated a Moroccan-South African partnership has the potential to “have a positive impact on efforts to promote peace and security” throughout the African continent.
Both countries have a long standing reputation as stabilizing factors in their respective regions of the African continent, according to Amrani. They also represent the “leading investors in Africa,” and both have steadily contributed to assisting other third-world countries within the continent.
Amrani further stated that recent growth in the economic dynamic in Africa could benefit from “global dialogue” led by the two countries. Both countries have already had separate investment initiatives started with major global investors including China, the EU, and the US. With the establishment of closer ties, these investments can stand to benefit both countries,as well as the continent as a whole.
In terms of security, Amrani highlighted Morocco’s role as “the main contributor at the level of the continent to peace and security efforts.” Morocco is a key regional security partner for both the EU and the US.
Both organizations have relied heavily on the North African country for vital intelligence, and the prevention of radical groups and irregular migrants from freely traversing into Europe and beyond. Morocco has also participated in several UN peacekeeping missions within Africa, helping to assist various humanitarian crises within the continent.
Morocco and South Africa established formal political relations in 1991. However, the countries previously clashed in the political sphere over certain issues, including South Africa’s unwillingness to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
South Africa’s decision to recognize the controversial government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic severely hampered any previous efforts at closer ties between the two nations. Amrani, who formally became ambassador to South Africa in 2019, is the first Moroccan ambassador to South Africa in over fifteen years.
Since being appointed to the position, Amrani continues to frequently advocate for closer ties between both nations. With Amrani’s latest statements, it is possible that the countries are finally ready to overcome their differences and join forces in a new era of continental collaboration.
