INTERVIEW WITH ELI BAR-ON, CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MENA2050

Question 1 – Strategic Partnerships: What significance do the relations between Morocco, the United States, and Israel hold in the international context, particularly in terms of economic and security cooperation, and investment?

The relations between Morocco, the United States, and Israel are the outcome of decades of smart and calculated diplomacy, not a series of opportunistic decisions. Morocco has historically positioned itself as a reliable partner in the region, maintaining strong ties with Western powers while pursuing pragmatic engagement with neighboring countries. The normalization with Israel builds on Morocco’s longstanding tradition of religious coexistence and regional mediation, as manifested in many centuries of thriving Jewish life in Morocco that established an unbreakable partnership between Morocco and the Jewish people. It also reflects the country’s ability to balance strategic interests with principled diplomacy. U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara (that eventually led to a much broader international recognition) further demonstrated how Morocco’s consistency, governance, and developmental vision have earned international trust. Together, these relations strengthen economic opportunities, security cooperation, and Morocco’s role as a stabilizing actor in the Mediterranean and Sahel regions.

Question 2 – Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: How crucial is cooperation between Morocco and the United States in addressing common security challenges, such as counter-terrorism and cybersecurity?

Cooperation between Morocco and the United States in counter-terrorism and cybersecurity reflects a long-standing commitment to regional stability. Morocco’s experience in countering extremist networks, particularly in the Sahel and Maghreb, has positioned it as a credible partner for global powers concerned with security in North and West Africa. This partnership builds on decades of intelligence sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and joint training initiatives, showing Morocco’s capacity to act proactively rather than reactively. By combining local expertise with international resources, both countries strengthen not only bilateral security but also the broader stability of the Mediterranean and Sahel regions.

Question 3 – Bilateral Cooperation: In what ways can Morocco and the United States strengthen their cooperation in areas such as economy, security, culture, education, and health?

Morocco and the United States can strengthen cooperation across economy, security, culture, education, and health by building on a history of sustained partnership. Economic ties have grown steadily since the Free Trade Agreement of 2006, while security collaboration dates back to early counter-terrorism and peacekeeping initiatives in the region. In culture and education, long-term exchanges between institutions have fostered mutual understanding, and health partnerships have addressed regional challenges such as pandemic preparedness. By deepening these connections, both countries can leverage Morocco’s regional influence and stable governance to create sustainable, multidimensional cooperation that benefits citizens and enhances Morocco’s role as a regional leader.

Question 4 – Public Diplomacy: What specific benefits can be derived from cooperation between the United States, Morocco, and Israel in the field of public diplomacy and non-governmental organizations?

Cooperation between the United States, Morocco, and Israel in public diplomacy and civil society engagement builds on Morocco’s long tradition of openness and interfaith dialogue. Morocco’s historical role as a mediator and bridge between cultures provides a platform for joint initiatives that promote tolerance, education, and regional understanding. Partnerships with U.S. and Israeli institutions create opportunities for exchanges, cultural programs, and NGO collaboration, reinforcing Morocco’s image as a stable, modern, and inclusive actor in the region. These efforts not only strengthen bilateral and trilateral ties but also enhance Morocco’s soft power and credibility on the international stage. MENA2050, as a regional NGO based in London and Brussels, is a good example. The traction we got in Morocco is bigger than any other country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We feel that Morocco offers the most fertile ground for regional cooperation.

Question 5 – Historical Role: What decisive and historical role did King Mohammed V play in protecting Moroccan Jewish citizens during the Holocaust and Nazi occupation?

King Mohammed V played a morally courageous role in defending Morocco’s Jewish citizens during the Holocaust and the period of Vichy rule. Despite limited authority under French control, he refused to implement or endorse discriminatory laws imposed by the Vichy regime and symbolically affirmed the equality of Jews as Moroccan subjects. His stance helped preserve communal harmony and became a lasting testament to Morocco’s tradition of coexistence and human dignity. This legacy continues to inform Morocco’s contemporary diplomacy, underpinning its engagement with Israel and the wider Jewish diaspora, and highlighting the enduring values of tolerance and principled leadership in Moroccan history.

Question 6 – Promoting Coexistence: How does His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as the Commander of the Faithful, contribute to promoting coexistence and tolerance among Moroccan citizens of different faiths and strengthening national unity in Morocco?

His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as Commander of the Faithful, has reinforced Morocco’s centuries-long tradition of coexistence and tolerance among citizens of different faiths. Through initiatives in religious education, interfaith dialogue, and the preservation of Jewish heritage, His Majesty has strengthened national unity while projecting Morocco as a model of moderation in the region. These efforts demonstrate a continuity of principled leadership, showing that stability and cohesion are achieved not only through governance but also through cultivating respect, mutual understanding, and a shared sense of national identity.

Question 7 – Development in Southern Provinces: What assessment can be made of the development path that the Southern provinces have undergone under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI?

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Southern provinces have experienced sustained economic, social, and infrastructural development. Investments in ports, renewable energy, transportation, and urban planning have transformed cities like Dakhla and Laayoune into regional hubs for trade and logistics. This long-term vision reflects Morocco’s strategy of integrating the Sahara into national development while strengthening sovereignty, creating opportunities for local communities, and attracting international investment. The progress demonstrates a combination of state-led planning, regional engagement, and pragmatic diplomacy that aligns with Morocco’s broader Atlantic and African ambitions. The latest international recognition in the Moroccan Sahara, as manifested in the United Nations Security Council Resolution of October 31st, 2025, will undoubtedly exponentially boost the development of this region.

Question 8 – US Support: How important is the US administration’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara in strengthening investment opportunities and economic development in the region?

U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is a strategic endorsement that strengthens investment confidence and economic development in the region. This support builds on decades of Morocco’s proactive diplomacy, regional stability, and infrastructure development in the Southern provinces. By acknowledging Morocco’s long-term vision and governance, the U.S. created an environment where investors and international partners can engage with confidence. This alignment reinforces Morocco’s role as a stable and credible actor in the Sahel and Atlantic space, linking sovereignty, development, and regional cooperation in a coherent strategy. Following the last United Nations Security Council Resolution of October 31st, 2025, we can certainly expect a much wider international appetite and interest in investments in the Sahara.

Question 9 – Atlantic Initiative: What is the scope of the Royal Atlantic Initiative in creating prosperous investment opportunities and promoting sustainable trade and economic cooperation in the Southern provinces?

The Royal Atlantic Initiative reflects Morocco’s long-term vision to develop the Southern provinces as a gateway for trade, investment, and regional integration. By leveraging the strategic locations of ports like Dakhla and Tangier, the initiative aims to connect African, European, and Atlantic economies through sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and economic corridors. This effort demonstrates Morocco’s proactive statecraft: translating geographic advantages into opportunities while creating a model for regional development that attracts investment, fosters trade, and strengthens Morocco’s influence in the Atlantic and Sahel regions.

Question 10 – Military Cooperation: What are the strategic implications of military and security cooperation between Morocco and the United States in strengthening the security of African countries and promoting peace in the region?

Military and security cooperation between Morocco and the United States builds on decades of shared strategic interests in regional stability. Morocco’s professional armed forces and intelligence capabilities, combined with U.S. support and training, enhance the security of North and West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and Mediterranean. This partnership enables Morocco to act as a stabilizing force, contributing to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and crisis management, while strengthening its role as a credible regional partner capable of addressing security challenges that extend beyond its borders.

Question 11 – MENA2050’s Diplomatic Role: What prospects does MENA2050 offer in enhancing diplomatic cooperation between Morocco, the United States, and Israel in various fields, including science, culture, diplomacy, and civil society issues?

MENA2050 is a neutral, inclusive non-profit organization advancing regional cooperation, development, and integration across the Middle East and North Africa. Bringing together hundreds of influential members from all countries in the region, all the way from Morocco to Iran, MENA2050 connects policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and civil society figures. Through regional working groups on climate, gender, energy, and food and water security, MENA2050 fosters collaboration and forward-looking ideas such as regional economic integration. MENA2050 is based on the conviction that all people in our region share a responsibility for our future.

Morocco has a special role to play in MENA2050. By fostering institutional exchanges, joint initiatives, and regional dialogue, MENA2050 builds on Morocco’s tradition of mediation and regional leadership. It emphasizes knowledge-sharing, innovation, and people-to-people connections, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a bridge between cultures and a proactive actor in regional development. MENA2050 thus complements Morocco’s long-term strategy of translating diplomatic engagement into practical, mutually beneficial outcomes.

Question 12 – Strategic Partnerships: What strategic partnerships does MENA2050 aim to establish with institutions in the Kingdom of Morocco to enhance cooperation in various sectors?

MENA2050 aims to establish strategic partnerships between Moroccan institutions and international counterparts to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. By linking universities, research centers, businesses, governmental agencies, and civil society organizations with regional and global partners, the initiative builds on Morocco’s historical role as a hub for knowledge, trade, and diplomacy. These partnerships are designed to promote innovation, sustainable development, and cultural exchange, while reinforcing Morocco’s position as a stable, credible, and forward-looking actor in the region. The approach demonstrates long-term statecraft, turning strategic relationships into concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Question 13 – Commandery of the Faithful Peace Institute: What role does the Commandery of the Faithful Peace Institute, established by Morocco in Jerusalem, play in promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue, and what significance does this initiative hold in fostering global understanding and cooperation?

The Commandery of the Faithful Peace Institute in Jerusalem represents Morocco’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. By establishing this institution, Morocco builds on its historical role as a center of coexistence, linking religious leadership with diplomacy and cultural exchange. The institute provides a platform for dialogue between different faith communities, fostering understanding, cooperation, and global awareness. This initiative strengthens Morocco’s soft power, highlights its role as a mediator in complex regional contexts, and reinforces the country’s broader strategy of using principled statecraft to advance both national and international interests.