Key Outcomes from the 8th Meeting of the African Atlantic States Process
The African Atlantic States Process (PEAA) convened its 8th meeting of foreign ministers on Friday in New York, presided over by Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad. This significant meeting comes at a time when the Atlantic African Initiative, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is witnessing substantial consolidations and is gaining increasing importance on the international stage.
The 8th ministerial meeting follows previous gatherings in Cotonou in July 2026 and Cape Verde in May 2025, showcasing the high level of commitment from the Atlantic African states to the Vision set forth by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This Vision aims to equip the region with essential tools for economic, infrastructural, and energy empowerment, all intended to achieve harmonious and sustainable development.
During his address, Minister Bourita emphasized that the essence of the Royal Initiative and the PEAA is to transform the African Atlantic coast into a strategic dialogue zone and an area of economic integration. He stressed that this vision is foundational to establishing a collaborative, mobilizing, and pragmatic governance structure, aimed at positioning Atlantic Africa as a key player in the governance of the Atlantic Basin.
“Four years after the launch of the Atlantic African Initiative in Rabat in June 2022, we can confidently affirm that the prospects for integration in our region are strengthening with each step we take toward achieving its objectives,” Minister Bourita remarked, expressing satisfaction that the momentum initiated by this partnership has begun to bear fruit.
Recalling that the Atlantic Ocean serves as a vital link between the Atlantic African states and their partners, Minister Bourita argued that the Royal Initiative embodies a Vision that aspires to give Africa a pivotal role in governance and cooperation dynamics within the Atlantic Basin. “This Vision will also enable us to tackle the challenges of our region more effectively and confidently, whether on security or development issues, based on the convergence of views and interests,” he continued.
He pointed out that the unification of efforts remains the sole means to address the myriad challenges faced by the Atlantic African space and to capitalize on its vast opportunities for cooperation. The Minister added that the involvement of various ministerial departments across our nations in implementing our Atlantic cooperation process is crucial, given the scope and ambition of our partnership.
In a ministerial declaration adopted during the meeting in New York, the foreign ministers of the PEAA reaffirmed their commitment to the Vision and objectives of the African Atlantic States Process, as articulated in the Rabat Ministerial Declaration of June 8, 2022. While acknowledging the progress made in implementing the Atlantic African partnership, the ministers called for the acceleration of implementation activities based on consultation, coordination, and the complementarity of national actions.
The meeting of the ministers was preceded by a gathering of senior officials on July 15, which focused on reviewing working documents and decisions for the ministerial meeting.
As reported by lavieeco.com.
