“At a time when conflicts and geopolitical tensions are multiplying, it is more necessary than ever to revitalize our collective action, for transformational solutions in line with our ambition for a better and peaceful world,” Bourita stressed at a meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Minister deemed essential to work towards forging lasting strategic partnerships, noting that Morocco's action in the field of international cooperation was in line with this objective.

HM King Mohammed VI’s international initiative to promote access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, the strategic Morocco-Nigeria African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, and the AAA Initiative to adapt African agriculture to climate change perfectly showcase this commitment to innovative approaches and strategic partnerships to meet the development challenges, he added.

He also stated that to answer the current and future challenges of development, peace and security, it is important to work towards an inclusive approach to building global and concerted responses, adding that only revitalized and effective multilateralism, based on responsibility and solidarity, will enable us to tackle such global challenges as poverty, pandemics, climate change, food insecurity and cyberthreats.

Bourita stressed that it is “paramount to restore trust in multilateral institutions and rebuild their credibility, and that global governance must be adapted and representative, in line with current changes and realities.”

“We cannot afford to put off the reforms that are needed, and while the African Union's recent accession to the G20 gives Africa one more voice, it is essential to broaden the dialogue and further involve middle-income countries, particularly from Africa, in the decision-making processes of multilateral institutions,” he said.

The Minister judged that the peace and security challenges cannot be met without a comprehensive approach to the issue of financing, adding that “while leveraging domestic resources is a major challenge, creating an international environment conducive to financing is a matter of urgency.” 

He also called for a fairer, more equitable and more inclusive international financial architecture, as well as sustainable solutions to the debt problem - which continues to hamper the majority of African economies.