 Crans Montana Forum, which began Friday in Dakhla, was closed in Casablanca on GNV Rhapsody Cruise Ship.
The inaugural session of the forum last Friday was marked by the message that His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed to participants, calling for more cooperation among the countries of the continent read out was by the President of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Mr. Ynja Khattat.
Many political figures from around the world participated in this event which aims to make Dakhla a think tank for the development of the African continent.
Here follows a selection of declarations by some personalities:
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy
"What Morocco is doing is quite unique, if we look at the last 15 years when the Arab-Muslim world has not been spared and the Mediterranean has been ravaged, what countries managed to keep stability, openness, progress and modernity with difficulties, crises, trials and failures, who can claim like Moroccan stability in recent years? "
For the former French president, Morocco is a model in this sense. "in the middle of the Arab Spring, the king changed the constitution". A decision which, according to him, "requires a lot of courage".
During the question answer session, he stressed his friendship with Morocco. "Friendship is not words or speech, but facts, and my presence here is a fact," said former French president, whose presence in the southern provinces is all about a symbol. He stressed during his speech that "the failure of Africa will be the tragedy of Europe and its success will be the survival of Europe".
Former President of Zambia Rupiah Banda
"We are very happy about Morocco's return to its African family after years during which it has not been able to fully play its role in unity, peace and development of Africa."
Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale
Morocco is at the "forefront of Africa's development". The Vanuatu leader praised the various actions and initiatives undertaken by Morocco for the development and well-being of Africa and Africans, noting that "Morocco provides a lot of support" to the continent.
Former President of Haiti, Michel Martelly
"South-South cooperation is necessary for the development of friendship between peoples, Africa and the South must be involved in decisions that concern them: good governance, world peace and sustainable development".
Vice President of Maynamar Myint Swe
"We all have a common goal: to live in a better, peaceful, prosperous and secure world, and the road to sustainable development is surely the best chance to build the world we envision."
Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Moustapha Cissé Lo
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is "grateful for all the actions and initiatives that His Majesty King Mohammed VI is making for the outreach of the peoples of Africa.
"HM King Mohammed VI has always worked for the development of sub-Saharan Africa and ECOWAS states in particular".
Mr. Cissé Lo expressed ECOWAS support for all Royal initiatives in favor of Africa and African peoples, noting that the Kingdom's application to ECOWAS is the "concrete proof of the desire to live together with our brothers and sisters of this part of the continent and especially to share a common destiny". The Royal Initiative on ECOWAS membership will contribute to strengthening integration within this regional grouping.
President of Anna Lindh Foundation and former French Minister Elisabeth Guigou
With regard to the Sahara issue, Ms. Guigou expressed her personal support and that of France to the position of Morocco and its territorial integrity.
"The plan proposed by Morocco at the United Nations must really be the basis of a peaceful settlement of this conflict, which, unfortunately, has lasted too long because it weighs on the economic development of the region."
The provinces of southern Morocco have experienced significant economic development in recent years, she said.
Zambia's former Minister of the Interior, Grace Njapau
"Africa must decide for itself. The Crans Montana Forum is a decisive step in this direction.Howevern this is not enough. We also need rules and we need special acts. Today, everything is gathered at this Forum for this to happen "
Belgian Minister of State Herman de Croo
"Immigration can allow the establishment of a virtuous circle by the transfer of skills, especially in the field of health. We could allow the temporary entry of people wishing to train so that they can help their countries"
Saint Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark A. Brantley
"Energy must be tackled in the light of climate change. With global warming, we will have more wind and sun. Wind, solar and thermal technologies are therefore very interesting opportunities for our country".
Former Minister of Social Affairs and Health, France, Marisol Touraine
"African women have a major role to play in health issues, they are the first victims of public health failures, they need to be educated in first aid, importance of hydration, and vaccination. "
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, South Sudan, James Jenga Duku
"Our resources are underutilized because people still use traditional methods, we will have many industrial opportunities, if we build bridges between local communities and the international community to learn the best practices and develop our exports and investments."
Speaker of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki
The actions undertaken by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Africa are "admirable". "Africa has demonstrated its willingness and ability to build broader cooperative relationships and partnerships, not just within the continent but across all regions of the global South," he said. "we can not form strong partnerships with other parts of the world, unless we forge strong partnerships between us".
American Reverend, Jesse Jackson
Morocco is a "beacon" in Africa for strengthening the values of cooperation and solidarity, countries of the continent are called to draw inspiration from the Kingdom to strengthen South-South cooperation.
The American Reverend stressed that Morocco is the second largest investor in Africa and the sixth largest in the world with investments reaching $ 4.5 billion.
He added that 62.9% of Moroccan investments abroad are destined for sub-Saharan countries, particularly in the West African region where the Kingdom is the first African investor, noting that Morocco has accumulated a vast experience in training young Africans in its universities and academic centers with nearly 7,000 students, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to vocational training for African students in priority areas related to human development.
UCLG Secretary General, Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi
"Tomorrow, in 2050, there will be 1 billion 200 million urban dwellers in Africa.The rate at which urbanization on the continent is unprecedented in history.The example of Lagos is 500,000 additional inhabitants per year. In history, few people have had to deal with this.
Director of Africa Women's Leadership Program, Sus Africa, Pearl Kupe
"We do not just have to find a solution, we have to be the solution, we have to stop waiting for things to happen, if you can not access funding, then find a bank for women. Make room for action ".
Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini
"We must work together to provide a better tomorrow for the new generations of Africans", Rabat and Pretoria are called to strengthen their exchanges in many important areas including education, agriculture and industry. "To meet the challenges, Africa needs the efforts of its great nations." "I must congratulate the AU on the return of Morocco, an important member of the African family".
Royal Bafokeng Nation, South Africa, Royal Highness Tirelo Molotlegi
"We need to create the conditions to complete the advent of gender equality, we need to educate young boys to be the most ardent advocates of women's rights."
-News and event on Western Sahara / Corcas-
|