The Atlantic Dialogue is a globally and regionally influential platform that aims to increase mutual cooperation by bringing together the countries bordering the Atlantic Basin. Morocco’s capital Rabat hosted the 13th conference of this dialogue in 2024, once again demonstrating the country’s diplomatic effectiveness. Organized since 2011, these conferences provide an opportunity to discuss a wide range of strategic issues such as economic development, security, migration and energy. One of the main objectives of this event is to address the growing disparities between the northern and southern axes of the Atlantic Basin. Hosting hundreds of politicians, academics and business representatives every year, the Atlantic Dialogue has succeeded in strengthening the multilateralism of the Atlantic Basin countries.
The 2024 Atlantic Dialogue was held in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, on December 12-14 and attracted international attention.1 The program was attended by representatives from several strategically important countries, including the United States, Brazil, Nigeria and Germany. In addition, prominent figures such as Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations, and Josep Borrell, Foreign Representative of the European Union, took part in the opening sessions of the conference. One of the most notable outcomes of the program was the announcement of a $3 billion international fund for Africa’s energy transition. In addition, a “Solidarity Framework” was developed to address the migration crisis in the Atlantic Basin and Morocco came to the forefront as both a mediator and a solution partner in this process. These results are in line with Morocco’s vision of sustainable development and strengthen the country’s regional leadership position.
Morocco’s role in the Atlantic Dialogue is not limited to being a host country, but also contributes significantly to its intellectual and diplomatic framework. The organization of the conference in Morocco reinforces the country’s role as a bridge between the Atlantic Basin and Africa. In this context, the main themes of the Atlantic Dialogue, such as energy security and renewable energy sources, support Morocco’s leadership position in solar and wind energy. These events, organized in cities such as Rabat and Marrakech, further Morocco’s ambition to become a regional hub.
The global impact of the Atlantic Dialogue is also evident in its capacity to strengthen economic and trade cooperation among the countries of the Atlantic Basin. At the last conference, issues such as green energy and sustainable development were particularly prominent. Morocco’s goal of meeting 52% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 is a concrete achievement within the framework of this dialogue. At the same time, trade and finance issues discussed at the conferences aim to revitalize the economic potential of the Atlantic Basin countries, totaling 2.3 trillion dollars.
Morocco’s contribution to the Atlantic Dialogue has led to deeper relations between African countries and the Western World. In particular, the initiatives of the Rabat-based Royal Atlantic Initiative have led to a stronger representation of African countries in the international arena. Concrete proposals such as alleviating Africa’s debt burden and increasing regional cooperation mechanisms were also presented at the conference. This approach aims to give a positive impetus to the economic development processes of African countries.
At this year’s event in Rabat, cybersecurity and counterterrorism were prioritized on the common agenda of the participating countries. Morocco has positioned itself as a regional security provider through effective strategies in this field, both at the national and international level. Morocco’s diplomatic initiatives and military contributions in the fight against instability in the Sahel region have been highly appreciated internationally. In particular, Moroccan-led initiatives on information sharing and joint operations against terrorist groups play an important role in regional stabilization. Morocco’s approach has led to stronger security ties between countries in the Atlantic Basin.
Migration management and human rights issues have also provided an important backdrop for Morocco to showcase its humanitarian diplomacy capacity. As a strategic transit point between Europe and Africa, Morocco has adopted an exemplary, innovative and people-oriented approach to migration policy. In particular, Morocco’s proposals to increase humanitarian assistance and protect the fundamental rights of migrants have been widely accepted. Morocco also stands out as a center of “humanitarian diplomacy” in the international arena with its social programs for the integration of migrants. This creates new opportunities for cooperation not only between the countries of the Atlantic Basin and Morocco, but also with other parts of Africa. Morocco’s proposals for a global solution to the migration crisis have also been supported at the United Nations.
At the last meeting, issues such as the digital economy and technology transfer were also discussed in detail, aiming to increase the economic integration of the Atlantic Basin countries. Morocco aims to develop its start-up ecosystem and become a regional leader in digital transformation processes. The cooperation mechanisms provided within the framework of the Atlantic Dialogue have contributed to boosting Morocco’s global technological competitiveness. One of Morocco’s standout projects has been the proposal for a regional technology fund to strengthen digital infrastructure. These initiatives make the Atlantic Dialogue an important lever in Morocco’s economic development strategies.
With innovative projects such as the Noor Solar Power Project on the agenda, the meeting highlighted Morocco’s contributions to energy policies. Renewable energy projects and efforts towards sustainable development contribute to Morocco being seen as a leading actor in international energy strategies. With this project, Morocco is not only meeting its local energy needs but also leading Africa’s energy transition.
The fact that cities such as Rabat and Marrakech host the Atlantic Dialogue also contributes greatly to Morocco’s tourism sector. The annual conferences attract thousands of participants, boosting the cultural and economic dynamism of the country. This situation positively affects both Morocco’s prominence as a conference tourism center and the country’s global perception.
The Atlantic Dialogue stands out as a critical platform for Morocco to realize its multilateral foreign policy objectives. Through this dialogue, the country is forging stronger ties of cooperation with countries in the Atlantic Basin. Morocco’s success in this process is not only in the economic or diplomatic spheres, but also in being perceived internationally as a “model country”.
In the future, the Atlantic Dialogue’s global influence will only increase. Morocco will continue to play a leadership role in this process and will lead the development of relations between African countries and the countries of the Atlantic Basin. The implementation of the decisions taken at the 2024 Atlantic Dialogue will reveal the concrete results of this cooperation. Morocco’s global role will be further strengthened, especially in areas such as green energy, digital economy and humanitarian aid.
For Morocco, the Atlantic Dialogue is not only a diplomatic tool, but also a platform to support its national development strategy. Through such conferences and programs of international importance, the country’s international reputation is enhanced, and its regional integration goals are concretized. In this context, Morocco’s leadership role in the Atlantic Dialogue is considered a win not only for the country, but also for the Atlantic Basin as a whole.
In conclusion, the Atlantic Dialogue enhances Morocco’s influence in the international arena and contributes significantly to regional cooperation and development processes. Through this platform, the country continues to defend the common interests of both Africa and the Atlantic Basin. Morocco’s strategic moves in this process will enable the country to become an even stronger regional and global actor in the future.
[1] Amina Elghoubachi, “Atlantic Dialogues 2024 in Rabat: Explore Atlantic Basin Cooperation, Challenges.” Barlaman Today, 12 Aralık 2024. https://www.barlamantoday.com/2024/12/12/atlantic-dialogues-2024-in-rabat-explore-atlantic-basin-cooperation-challenges/, (Дата обращения: 21.12.2024).
