Former African and Latin American heads of state advocated on Thursday in Marrakech for increased South-South cooperation in the Atlantic region, aimed at serving the interests of the peoples of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They asserted that countries like Morocco and Brazil can lead in promoting this initiative

During a panel titled 'A New Atlantic Deal: Perspectives from the South,' organized as part of the 12th edition of the annual international conference 'The Atlantic Dialogues,' former presidents of Nigeria and Ecuador pointed out that, in the face of global challenges, South-South cooperation in the Atlantic can enhance the collective influence of South Atlantic countries through strategic alliances to address global issues such as climate change and economic inequalities.

An Atlantic South that can serve the interests of its peoples and the world at large must promote cooperation and solidarity among its countries," emphasized former President of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, who also serves as the High Representative of the African Union for the Horn of Africa. He added that the South Atlantic "is called to develop rapidly to catch up." In this regard, Mr. Obasanjo advocated for the creation of an Atlantic Cooperation Organization, which would be launched from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. "It would be an organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and development," he asserted

I believe that Morocco in Africa and Brazil in Latin America can pave the way in promoting this initiative," highlighted, pointing out that this organization has the potential to become an influential voice globally.

On his part, former President of Ecuador, Mr. Luis Osvaldo Hurtado Larrea, pointed out that the South Atlantic is called to promote intraregional cooperation to actively shape and influence the international geopolitical dynamics and address imbalances in the global decision-making process

In addressing the intercontinental framework that can effectively enhance and promote the perspectives and interests of the South, the former president emphasized the importance of economic partnership, especially through the signing of free trade agreements that have boosted intraregional cooperation and are key factors for progress

Mr. Hurtado Larrea also observed that South Atlantic countries are facing new opportunities, providing an unparalleled occasion to assert their new position towards a more inclusive balance

The 12th edition of the annual international conference of the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) 'The Atlantic Dialogues' was inaugurated on Thursday under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Article source: lobservateur