Morocco’s ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, took part on Wednesday in the strategic dialogue with the Permanent Observers to the Organization of American States (OAS), held as part of the special meeting of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI).
Speaking at the event, the Moroccan diplomat emphasized that Morocco’s status as a Permanent Observer to the OAS reflects a deep conviction, namely that “the Atlantic is not a distance that separates us, but a space of partnership and shared opportunities.”
In this regard, Amrani emphasized that “South-South cooperation must move from dialogue to concrete action,” in the sense that this action begins with “listening to the priorities defined by the Member States themselves.”
The ambassador noted, in this context, that development is not limited to financial resources but is based on the sharing of capabilities, experiences, and knowledge.
“Knowledge, technology, expertise, and, above all, human capital are at the heart of our priorities,” he said during the meeting held at OAS headquarters in Washington.
In response to the challenges identified by member states regarding food security, water security, and the energy transition, the Moroccan diplomat highlighted the north-African Kingdom’s proven experience and expertise in sustainable agriculture, water management, and water desalination, as well as in large-scale renewable energy.
Moroccan excellence, he continued, is underpinned by specialized institutions and recognized research and training centers capable of sharing their expertise and forging ties among researchers, professionals, and young innovators.
In this regard, Amrani emphasized that development is “above all a human issue,” noting that Morocco wishes to build cooperation with the OAS centered on training and the exchange of knowledge.
“Through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), Morocco is prepared to expand opportunities for scholarships, technical training, and the exchange of experiences for the benefit of young people and professionals in Member States,” he assured.
He added that, taking a pragmatic approach, the Kingdom has proposed starting with pilot projects in communities particularly affected by water stress, soil degradation, or energy vulnerability, before expanding initiatives that have proven effective.
To ensure continuity and follow-up on this momentum, Morocco has proposed the development of an “OAS-Morocco” Roadmap, complete with clear priorities, concrete projects, and monitoring mechanisms, the ambassador stated.
Amrani concluded by stating that the Kingdom of Morocco does not intend to be merely an observer, but rather a true partner committed to sharing, learning, and building alongside the Americas to make the shared Atlantic space a place of knowledge, solidarity, innovation, and sustainable prosperity.
