Morocco's ambassador to Ireland, Lahcen Mahraoui, highlighted in Cork, southern Ireland, the African vision carried by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has turned the continent into the cornerstone of the Kingdom's foreign policy.
In a speech to mark Africa Day, the diplomat noted that a deep-rooted belief in the importance of South-South cooperation, solidarity, and shared prosperity lies at the heart of the Moroccan approach.
“Morocco believes in a confident, sovereign, and prosperous Africa, built by Africans and for Africans,” he said, reviewing several major initiatives illustrating this commitment.
Among these, the ambassador cited the Atlantic Initiative, which aims to transform Africa's Atlantic seaboard into a space of connectivity, economic integration, and shared development.
Addressing an audience of local elected officials, members of the African diaspora, Irish citizens from Africa, and eminent panelists, the diplomat also spoke of Morocco's efforts in food security, highlighting Morocco's investments in fertilizer production across the continent.
Mahraoui also recalled Morocco's commitment to training Africa's human capital, notably by hosting thousands of students, many of whom benefit from scholarships.
"The ties forged in our universities go beyond education: they are building the foundations of an African elite shaped by solidarity and shared values," he said. Morocco also promotes cultural and religious diplomacy, notably through the training of African imams at the Mohammed VI Institute, thus fostering a tolerant, inclusive, and peaceful Islam across the continent, the diplomat added.
He also hailed the dynamic relationship between Ireland and Africa, pointing out that the year 2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Ireland.
"Africa Day is not just a celebration of the past; it's a call to action to build the future," the ambassador stated, paying tribute to the African diaspora in Ireland for its role in bringing people together and spreading the continent's values.
Afterwards, the ambassador took part in a festival dedicated to Africa Day at Fitzpatrick Park, where he had the opportunity to exchange views with representatives of the continent's countries.
The diplomat also held talks with the city's Lord Mayor, Dan Boyle, and his deputy, Honoré Kamegni, on ways to strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and sustainable urban development.
MAP: 25 mai 2025
