Saqr Ghobash Chairs UAE National Council Delegation at Marrakech Parliamentary Forum
On June 19-20, 2026, Saqr Ghobash, the President of the UAE National Council, will lead a delegation to the fourth session of the Marrakech Parliamentary Forum, which focuses on economic cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions. This significant event is held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, with the participation of the Moroccan House of Councillors and in collaboration with the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The UAE delegation includes members such as Saeed Al-Abdi, Aisha Al-Laytiem, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansouri, Salem Al-Amri, Hashima Al-Afari, and Sultan Al-Zaabi, along with Tarek Al-Marzouqi, the Assistant Secretary-General for Council Affairs. The forum aims to enhance parliamentary dialogue on shared economic and developmental issues, exploring ways to support economic and trade integration among countries in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, while also seeking avenues for collaboration with Africa.
The forum will commence with a high-level opening session featuring the presidents of regional and international parliamentary unions, along with various ministers, officials, experts, and representatives from international financial institutions. The agenda includes numerous sessions addressing global challenges in economic integration, free trade, and public debt, as well as stimulating investment in artificial intelligence and establishing a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf hub for AI. A dedicated session on Africa will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area and linking Euro-African value chains towards creating an integrated space for joint production, investment, and economic resilience.
Additionally, discussions will revolve around creating job opportunities through the blue economy and the role of small and medium enterprises and startups as drivers of innovation and youth employment, while also addressing the impact of climate change on food security. The forum is also expected to witness the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, including notable ones between the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as an agreement between the Association of African Senates and the Mediterranean Parliament to enhance Euro-Mediterranean-African parliamentary cooperation.
As reported by alkhaleej.ae.
