Morocco a ‘Model for Economic and Institutional Progress,’ Says Moratinos

Casablanca – The United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, has described Morocco as a reference and a model in economic, social and institutional development, saying the country has undergone major changes under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Speaking in an interview with MAP ahead of the Throne Day celebrations, Moratinos said Morocco’s macroeconomic performance, modern infrastructure and ability to host major international events reflect the progress achieved over recent decades.

He also pointed to what he described as the dynamism of Moroccan society, the creation of new economic opportunities and the growing contribution of Moroccans living abroad to the country’s development. According to him, these are all signs of confidence in Morocco’s future.

Moratinos said the country’s greatest achievement has been giving Moroccans confidence in their future while strengthening national pride and encouraging citizens to take part in the country’s development.

The former Spanish foreign minister also praised the initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI for Africa and the work of Moroccan diplomacy to put them into practice. He said those initiatives are now more relevant than ever as the international order continues to change.

He singled out the Royal Atlantic Initiative, calling it a strategic response to the current geopolitical landscape and an important tool for strengthening ties between both sides of the Atlantic. He said the initiative has become even more necessary as a new multipolar world takes shape.

Moratinos said Morocco has established itself as an Atlantic hub linking Africa, Europe and the Americas through investments in transport infrastructure, stronger air, rail and road connections and large-scale energy projects.

Among those projects, he cited the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline linking Nigeria and Morocco, describing it as a key project for regional energy integration.

He also said Morocco has become a strategic platform connecting Europe with sub-Saharan Africa thanks to its geographic location. In his view, the country now serves as a bridge not only between North and South, but also between East and West.

Moratinos added that Morocco’s ability to host major international sporting events reflects the country’s level of development. He recalled the successful Africa Cup of Nations and said Morocco will once again demonstrate its organizational capacity when it co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.