Morocco’s Atlantic Vision Reinforces Regional Leadership, Says André Azoulay at Tangier Symposium
Tangier, The Gulf Observer: André Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI and Founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, has underscored Morocco’s Atlantic and African vision as a defining marker of the country’s regional centrality and strategic authority.
Speaking at the opening of the international symposium titled “The African Atlantic Space: What Geopolitical Reinterpretation? A Multidimensional Approach” in Tangier, Azoulay highlighted that Morocco’s diplomatic history and longstanding regional engagement demonstrate the depth and relevance of the Atlantic and African vision championed by King Mohammed VI.
He noted that a rational assessment of Morocco’s leadership—particularly since the 19th century—reflects a consistent strategic orientation that has been widely acknowledged by the international community. According to Azoulay, the Kingdom possesses the necessary assets to transform its Atlantic strategy into a powerful engine for development and regional cooperation.
Azoulay further emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum to reinforce Morocco’s position as a key regional reference, contributing to a shared and sustainable future across the African Atlantic space.
Referring to the Royal Atlantic Initiative, he said the strategy embodies the King’s forward-looking vision to strengthen Morocco’s role as a major geopolitical actor in the region. He stressed that this approach is anchored in strong historical, geographical, and civilizational foundations, while promoting an inclusive African framework based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect.
Highlighting the cultural dimension of development, Azoulay pointed to ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between Tetouan and Essaouira, particularly through the proposed Tetouan-Essaouira University of Cultural and Heritage Sciences. He said the initiative aims to position culture as a driver of urban development, in line with Morocco’s commitment to diversity, pluralism, and social modernity.
He also referenced the “Blue University” project in Essaouira, describing it as aligned with Morocco’s Atlantic vision. The project seeks to harness ocean resources as a strategic asset for ecological sustainability, food security, and regional influence, through a structured and scientific framework.
The symposium was organized by the Center for Studies and Research on Hebrew Culture and Law in Morocco in partnership with Maison Maroc for Peace and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, bringing together experts to explore geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics of maritime spaces, with a focus on the African Atlantic region.
