"Thanks to its geopolitical location at the crossroads between North and South, Africa and Europe, as well as its political stability, Morocco plays a pivotal role on the international stage," stated Wunsch in an interview with MAP.

This role "has grown significantly over recent decades, making Morocco an increasingly integrated player in the global economy. The country has successfully developed key sectors such as the automotive industry, tourism, agriculture, and extractive industries," he noted, adding that this diversification of activities has been instrumental in sustaining steady growth over recent decades.

"However, the world is changing rapidly, and new challenges are emerging, including climate change, which represents a formidable challenge necessitating far-reaching reforms," observed the official. He also welcomed the 1.2 billion euro program granted by the IMF to support Morocco in "financing infrastructure investments and achieving its ambitious goal of transitioning to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050."

He further highlighted Morocco's "exceptional solidarity and resilience" in dealing with the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake.

Wunsch also expressed his satisfaction with the return of this event to Africa after 50 years, following the 1973 meeting in Nairobi. He stated, "Both the WB and the IMF are highly active on this continent, and it is crucial and justified for the Bretton Woods institutions to come to Africa and Morocco to reaffirm their commitment to African national authorities in addressing today's challenges."

He emphasized the "central role" of the IMF in Africa in three key areas central to its mandate, notably surveillance, where the institution must continually adapt its recommendations and analyses to the diverse national situations across the continent to maintain stability and strengthen growth prospects.

Also, crisis response, where IMF loans provide countries facing crises, whether internal or external, with the necessary support to overcome balance of payments challenges or implement policies for long-term resilience and sustainability, the official added.

"Finally, it should be noted that implementing IMF recommendations is not always easy, and this is where the IMF's third pillar proves crucial, with capacity building and the provision of technical assistance and training," he concluded.