Marrakech Hosts Significant Economic Parliamentary Forum
The fourth session of the Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum kicked off with a historic signing of two memorandums of understanding aimed at establishing a collaborative framework between the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, as well as between the African Association of Senates and the Mediterranean Parliament. This initiative is designed to enhance cooperation and foster partnerships that address shared interests and challenges faced by both regions.
During the opening day of the forum, Mohamed Ould Rachid, President of the Moroccan House of Councillors, and Maimouna Ibrahim, President of the ECOWAS Parliament, formalized their commitment to parliamentary cooperation through a mutual memorandum. This agreement establishes a reference framework for partnership and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of regional integration as a strategic option to combat global challenges and crises.
Areas of Collaboration and Future Goals
The memorandum outlines several key areas for collaboration, including the promotion of regional integration, which is deemed essential for addressing global issues, as well as supporting initiatives related to sustainable development and digital transformation. Furthermore, it encourages innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors, strengthens institutional and administrative capacities through training programs, and facilitates the exchange of expertise and best practices. The agreement also aims to enhance collaboration in economic parliamentary diplomacy by sharing knowledge in economic, financial, and investment legislation while organizing joint meetings that connect parliamentarians with economic actors and the private sector.
The parties involved are expected to establish a mechanism for regular consultation and coordination through periodic meetings, particularly during relevant parliamentary and economic forums. They will also align their positions on issues of mutual interest at both regional and international levels.
Additionally, a separate memorandum was signed between Mohamed Ould Rachid, President of the African Association of Senates, and Giulio Centemero, President of the Mediterranean Parliament. This agreement aims to create an institutional framework for cooperation and dialogue between the two entities, promoting parliamentary dialogue and economic development between Africa and the Euro-Mediterranean region, while considering the Atlantic dimension and the importance of involving Sahel countries in regional economic integration efforts.
Topics covered in the agreement include enhancing African-Euro-Mediterranean-Gulf parliamentary dialogue on common issues, supporting parliamentary discussions on regional economic integration, south-south cooperation, and advocating for investment in innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Moreover, the two parties have agreed to support policies aimed at creating sustainable job opportunities, particularly for youth and women, and to promote dialogue regarding energy, food, and water security while addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing sustainable development.
The memorandum also encourages parliamentary openness towards the Atlantic space and Latin America as strategic partners for inter-regional cooperation. The implementation of the agreements will involve organizing meetings, conferences, and joint parliamentary seminars, along with the exchange of delegations, expertise, and best practices, supported by the establishment of regular communication channels between the two parties and fostering partnerships with regional and international financial and developmental institutions.
As reported by hespress.com.
