Morocco is actively shaping its foreign policy to assert its sovereignty, diversify its international relations, and explore new opportunities [b7161579]. The country aims to consolidate its relations with the United States and the European Union (EU) while seeking economic partnerships with China and turning towards sub-Saharan Africa [b7161579]. Morocco's strategic choices reflect its goal of boosting accelerated growth and expanding its influence on the global stage [b7161579].
In the context of security in the Sahel region, the United States has recognized the need to engage more actively to address security deficits. The Biden administration, however, has been criticized for focusing on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza while neglecting Africa [48524f3b]. Recent developments, including the withdrawal of US forces from Niger's Agadez Base, which cost over $100 million, have created a power vacuum that has been filled by groups such as the Russian Wagner Group [48524f3b]. Morocco, as a reliable US ally, is promoting African solutions to African problems and has been involved in discussions with US officials to emphasize regional peace [48524f3b].
The EU's efforts to cooperate with southern Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, have fallen short of expected success [b7161579]. As a result, Morocco is looking beyond traditional partners and engaging with new actors such as China, India, Brazil, Gulf States, and Turkey, which offer attractive perspectives and opportunities [b7161579]. By diversifying its international relations, Morocco aims to strengthen its position and leverage economic partnerships for its domestic economy [b7161579].
Morocco's recent initiatives include offering scholarships and military training to African nations, further solidifying its role as a key player in the region [48524f3b]. Additionally, Morocco is the second largest investor in Africa, and its Atlantic initiative launched in 2022 aims to enhance economic integration, particularly through projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline [48524f3b]. The Port of Dakhla, expected to be operational by 2029, will significantly improve access for landlocked Sahel countries [48524f3b].
The geopolitical and security dynamics in the Mediterranean region reveal tensions between the United States and China, as well as between Russia and the West [b7161579]. In this complex landscape, Morocco seeks to navigate these power struggles and consolidate its relations with both the US and the EU [b7161579]. While Morocco recognizes the importance of its partnerships with the US and the EU, it is also actively seeking economic cooperation with China and turning its attention towards sub-Saharan Africa [b7161579]. These strategic choices reflect Morocco's efforts to balance its relations with different global actors and pursue opportunities for accelerated growth and development [b7161579].
The EU-Morocco relationship is built on the economic achievements of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) [b7161579]. However, various institutional constraints have complicated the development of certain plans [b7161579]. Despite these challenges, both Morocco and Europe are interested in modernizing their partnership and deepening cooperation and security in the Euro-Mediterranean region [b7161579]. Political commitments from both sides are essential for the success of this modernization process [b7161579].
Morocco's foreign policy choices reflect its proactive approach to shaping its international relations and pursuing economic partnerships with a range of global actors [b7161579]. By diversifying its partnerships and exploring new opportunities, Morocco aims to boost its domestic economy and enhance its influence in the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa [b7161579]. The US should also recognize Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of this partnership, which is crucial for stability in the Sahel [48524f3b].