Under His Majesty the King’s leadership, Morocco puts into practice its belief in the future of Africa and the Kingdom’s role in the whole continent through financial investment, highlighted the former British official in a message of congratulations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Sovereign's accession to the throne of His glorious ancestors.
Morocco is the second largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa, with some 62.9% of its Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) heading there, a significant vote of confidence which should encourage other countries to follow, Burt noted.
He also recalled that His Majesty the King was “the key driver” in the Atlantic Access Initiative for Sahel Countries, aiming to explore solutions for integration and economic transformation in the Sahel region.
“This is a remarkable and comprehensive vision, seeking to create new integrated economic structures, and open access to the Atlantic through renewed transport links,” Burt added, estimating that this Royal Initiative will be vital in ensuring that the region’s young and growing population see a viable future.
He also praised HM the King’s leadership in the climate field, recalling the organization in 2016 of COP22 in Marrakech, which saw the Sovereign lead an Action Plan for Africa, with the aim of averting the consequences of climate changes on the continent.
“I am proud that the UK has supported all this, both historically and recently. Economic investment remains vital, not least as [Morocco’s] close relationship with Europe is increasingly seen as an economic gateway to the Maghreb and to the South,” Burt added.
The former British official also highlighted the constitutional and socio-economic reforms launched by HM the King, since 2011, with a view to promoting the living conditions of Moroccans and satisfying their aspirations for a better future, commending the Sovereign's leadership and farsightedness.
He hailed the “ambitious” project to generalize social protection in the Kingdom, in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, noting that this project reinforces the Kingdom's forward march based on solid foundations.
Lauding the “historic” and “strong” ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom, Burt recalled HM King Charles III’s State visit to Morocco in 2013, when he was Prince of Wales.
He also emphasized the strong ties of friendship and mutual esteem between HM King Mohammed VI and HM King Charles III, as well as between the two Royal Families, as illustrated by the message of congratulations sent by HM the King to the British Sovereign on the occasion of his coronation.
“Such words tell us much about the future as well as the past,” Burt noted, recalling that the formal diplomatic relations between the two Kingdoms “date back over 800 years, to 1213,” and that the commercial treaty mutual obligations are over 300 years old.
These historic ties, he stressed, “have been further strengthened under His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s reign, and look set to continue,” citing, in this respect, the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, inaugurated in 2018, which provides “a high benchmark to maintain.”
The Dialogue consolidated the connection between the two Kingdoms under the political, security, economic and cultural pillars, he noted, adding that it provides a “solid platform to examine not only what we were doing together, but where we could go.”
The former British Minister also praised HM the King’s foresight, when Morocco became a founder member of NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995, recognizing Morocco’s key role in the vital security needs of the Euro-Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
“The world ahead is not an easy place to navigate. But the shared experiences of centuries, and the ability to respond and adapt to new challenges, have been at the heart of the relationship between the UK and Morocco,” he said.
“Our monarchies also provide not only the reassurance of the years, but the empathy of the present day needs of our peoples, which are vital parts of our democratic constitutions,” Burt added.