AMBASSADOR AND KING MOHAMMED VI DISCUSS MILLENNIUM

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000617 E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2018 TAGS: EAID KMCA MO SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND KING MOHAMMED VI DISCUSS MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT Classified By: AMBASSADOR THOMAS T. RILEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) During the Ambassador's June 30 meeting with King Mohammed VI, they briefly went over the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) program. The Ambassador expressed his pride in its focus on creating sustainable jobs for the poorest sectors of the economy, much like the King,s own National Initiative for Human Development (INDH). The Ambassador stressed, however, that unlike World Bank or other donor programs, even those from USAID, MCA was not a gift and was not guaranteed; that it was an agreement with obligations on both sides. The King nodded in agreement, even adding words like &obligations,8 showing he clearly understood and agreed. He volunteered that he knew the final selection of the Moroccan head of the "Agence de Partenariat pour le Progres" (APP) was scheduled for that afternoon with the Prime Minister. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador acknowledged our interest in selecting an agency head, but he said he was concerned about a much bigger issue. The MCA is a program with a five-year clock, and many more things will have to be done in a timely fashion and conditions will have to be maintained for the program to be a success and be completed. The Ambassador noted that Ambassador Danilovich, whom he had met at the Compact signing, was a personal friend and had been calling often because he was very worried. With the current Administration coming to an end, future responsible parties and even Congress may not be so patient. It is a great program, and he wanted to ensure that Morocco got the full benefits, reinforced the Ambassador, underscoring that he, Ambassador Danilovich, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Akhannouch had seen many of the fishermen, farmers, and other beneficiaries in remote villages and coastal towns who will see their lives change. The King assured the Ambassador that he would stress the importance of staying on top of the MCA in his meeting with the key officials immediately after the meeting. ¶3. (C) Comment: On July 2, we were officially informed that the King had selected Morad Abid as the APP's first Director General. End Comment. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley