New Book Documents Moroccan-Latin American Cooperation

A new book published in Spanish explores the deepening ties between Morocco and Latin America, highlighting the role of King Mohammed VI in fostering this relationship. Titled "Su Majestad el Rey Mohammed VI, gran artífice de la integración atlántica África-América Latina" (His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Great Architect of Atlantic Integration Africa-Latin America), the work was released by the Mohammed VI Cultural Center for Dialogue of Civilizations in Coquimbo, Chile.

Authored by Moroccan journalist and researcher Hicham El Akhal, the 284-page book is the result of years of fieldwork and research across several Latin American nations. It meticulously traces the development of Morocco-Latin America relations over the last twenty years, framed by King Mohammed VI's strategic vision. The book aims to document a significant period in the evolving cooperation between the two regions.

The first part of the book offers an analytical perspective on the political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and media dimensions of Moroccan-Latin American relations. It begins with the King's pivotal 2004 visit to Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Argentina and extends to 2024, marking a key milestone in bilateral cooperation. The second part compiles over sixty testimonies and interviews with current and former heads of state, foreign ministers, parliamentary leaders, academics, and other prominent political and intellectual figures from Latin America.

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This publication represents the culmination of the author's field experience during his work as a correspondent for the Moroccan News Agency in Caracas, then as director of the agency's hub in South America in Buenos Aires.

These testimonies delve into the evolution of relations between Morocco and the continent, emphasizing the importance of Africa-Latin America cooperation. The book also examines Morocco's growing presence in Latin America, shifts in regional stances on the Western Sahara issue, and an analysis of the autonomy initiative. It further details institutional, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and media cooperation between Morocco and Latin American countries.

Kenza El Ghali, the Moroccan Ambassador to Chile, introduced the book, noting that it stems from El Akhal's practical experience as a correspondent for the Moroccan news agency MAP in Caracas and later as its South America director. She described the book as a valuable reference for researchers and those interested in Moroccan-Latin American relations, providing insights into the cooperation's trajectory and future prospects.

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The book constitutes a documentary reference for researchers and those interested in Moroccan-Latin American relations, due to the data, analyses, and testimonies it contains that shed light on the path of cooperation between the two sides and the prospects for its development.