The Jakarta Post
Morocco is one of the Arab countries that went through the Arab Spring reform movement quite peacefully. After his meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Moroccan Foreign Minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani talked about a wide range of issues to The Jakarta Post’s Novan Iman Santosaduring the recent fifth Bali Democracy Forum. The following is an excerpt from the interview.
What happened at your meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa?
At the meeting, we basically discussed how to improve relations between our two countries. We covered various ways and means of developing our relationships in different areas. It was a good opportunity to see what we both have to offer.
Were there any agreements reached in the meeting?
Yes, we have more or less arranged to have a meeting of high officials of the foreign ministry, as well as some other ministries, in Morocco as soon as possible. We just have to decide on the exact details. We’ve also agreed a joint commission meeting in 2013, in Jakarta.
We also talked about some areas where we might cooperate and identified some, including tourism, where we can share our experiences. It’s not difficult to identify things we have in common.
How can we create stronger relations despite the considerable distance between the two countries?
I think there are plenty sectors where we can cooperate. We have a lot of experience and expertise in areas such as in agriculture and fisheries that we can share with you. We have a very high level of expertise in terms of fisheries and we are happy to share our knowledge.
Morocco is also the leader, and very advanced at that, in renewable energy in the region. There, again, are many experiences we can share. There are plenty of ways to cooperate although we are far away.
Did you discuss the Arab Spring phenomenon, including the latest situation in Syria?
We talked a little about these issues. The Bali Democracy Forum is not only a very good opportunity to raise questions about the Arab Spring in general, but also the situation in Syria with atrocities taking place right now in the
country.
We hope these discussions will at least help the situation to improve, and there will soon be changes.
The Arab Spring had different outcomes in various countries in North Africa and the Arab region. How has Morocco handled such a great change?
There have been revolutions in many Arab countries. Some have experienced violence in changing their regimes.
In Morocco, there was change, yes, but institutional change without violence. Peaceful change. The most important thing is that it went peacefully and in a smooth manner, peaceful manner, involving all of civil society.
What are the lessons that can be taken from this year’s Bali Democracy Forum?
The Bali Democracy Forum is a good opportuniy to exchange views between countries and talk about democracy.
At the same time, it was also a good chance to talk about global governance and good governance, about the benefits of economic development and social development in different countries. It was a very good platform for exchanging these ideas.
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