Ahmed Réda Chami at “The Atlantic Dialogues”: Morocco Gives Particular Importance to the Stability of Maritime Corridors

Speaking during a panel held as part of the 14th edition of the annual international conference “The Atlantic Dialogues” of the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), Mr. Chami stressed the central role played by the stability of these “highways of the sea”, through which more than 90 percent of global trade passes, as well as a large share of Internet traffic via submarine cables.

In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the Port of Tanger Med, “considered today as one of the largest in the world”, for global trade, noting that this major maritime platform connects the Kingdom to more than 70 countries and 180 ports.

Thanks to strategic investments and international cooperation, Morocco has strengthened its competitiveness in the maritime sector while contributing to the consolidation of global connectivity, he noted.

The diplomat also pointed out that the corridors face “numerous challenges”, citing security risks linked to piracy and geopolitical tensions, as well as the impact of climate change.

On the environmental front, the ambassador highlighted the degradation of ecosystems and the decline in biodiversity, in addition to issues of economic equity, since some regions benefit widely from maritime trade while others face heavier security and environmental pressures.

To address these challenges, Mr. Chami referred to two essential levers: governance, which must enable countries along a given corridor to coordinate its management, and technological innovation, which has become indispensable for the security and efficiency of maritime routes.

Other speakers at the panel noted that strategic maritime corridors, which constitute vital arteries for trade, energy and connectivity between states, are increasingly seen as global common goods whose stability underpins international prosperity.

Faced with multiple security, geopolitical and climate challenges, states, regional organisations and private actors are called upon to protect these vital corridors through inclusive governance, sustainable practices and renewed multilateral coordination, they argued.

Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 14th edition of “The Atlantic Dialogues” (11 to 13 December) positions itself as a crossroads bringing together the four Atlantic continents, with the ambition of renewing the understanding of inter-Atlantic dynamics and highlighting the growing strategic role of the South Atlantic in global economic and geopolitical debates.

Editorial team/le7tv