President Macron lauds King Mohammed VI’s vision for Atlantic Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday hailed the “strong and clear” commitment of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to developing a blue economy in Africa,during the opening of the “Africa for the Ocean” summit,which he co-chaired with Princess Lalla Hasnaa.

The summit,held in Nice as part of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference,brought together African leaders,international organizations,and UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss sustainable ocean governance and regional cooperation.

In his remarks,Macron thanked Morocco for associating France with what he called “an initiative on essential issues for the African continent and for all of us.” He praised Morocco’s leadership,under King Mohammed VI,citing the country’s efforts in ocean governance,the fight against plastic pollution,and regional cooperation as a continental reference.

Macron also highlighted the King’s Atlantic Initiative,which aims to provide landlocked African countries with access to the ocean. “This initiative reflects a vision,” Macron said,noting that it aligns with France’s own goals for inclusive development.

He recalled that King Mohammed VI launched the Tanger Med port 20 years ago,now the largest in the Mediterranean,and that the upcoming Dakhla Atlantic port will “inaugurate a new era for the Atlantic and the continent’s access to the ocean”

Princess Lalla Hasnaa,representing the King at the event,delivered a royal message emphasizing the strategic importance of Africa’s maritime space. The King’s message called for a shift from viewing the ocean as untapped potential to treating it as a strategic asset. He described the ocean as central to food sovereignty,climate resilience,energy security,and territorial cohesion.

The message outlined three pillars of Morocco’s maritime vision: blue growth,South-South cooperation,and Atlantic synergies. It stressed that the blue economy is not a luxury but a strategic necessity,encompassing sectors such as sustainable aquaculture,offshore renewable energy,port industries,marine biotechnology,and responsible coastal tourism

Macron concluded by noting the symbolic importance of the summit being co-hosted by Morocco and France. “It is no coincidence that this summit is held under the joint banner of Morocco and France—two nations that share a shore,a millennial dialogue,a common history,and a shared desire for a better future,” he said.