African Union Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has praised Morocco’s central role in supporting and defending African causes during a visit to Rabat on Wednesday, April 1.
“The Kingdom of Morocco is a central player and, as I keep saying, it is an anchor country for all continental issues,” Ali Youssouf said at a press briefing held following his talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
“We are all aware of the Kingdom of Morocco’s role in championing African causes, particularly in the areas of security and peacebuilding in countries facing crises,” he affirmed.
In his view, Morocco remains the reference point of African diplomacy and a partner whose counsel is heeded across the continent, given the kingdom’s active role in resolving crises at both the continental and international levels. Ali Youssouf stressed that the African Union — and the AU Commission in particular — places great value on Morocco’s expertise and know-how.
The AU Commission president said his talks with the Moroccan minister covered “the issues preoccupying our continent: development, peace, stability, external shocks and central challenges such as energy, industrialisation and agricultural development.”
Intra-African trade and infrastructure development also featured on the agenda, he noted.
Both sides also reviewed prospects for strengthening cooperation between Morocco and the AU Commission, as well as ways to consolidate this partnership in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Ali Youssouf is in Morocco to attend the 58th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, organised by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Tangier from March 28 to April 3.
AK/Sf/lb/as/APA