Morocco’s Foreign minister Nasser Bourita and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf have discussed peace and security in Africa as well as latest regional development and integration initiatives at a meeting held in Rabat Wednesday.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 58th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (CEA) in Tangier, from March 28 to April 03.
Talks also covered cooperation ties between Morocco and the AU Commission, as well as ways of strengthening partnership in accordance with Agenda 2063.
Chief of the AU Commission praised on this occasion the contributions made by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, for Africa’s shared development, peace and security.
He also hailed Morocco’s election to the AU Peace and Security Council of the African Union last February. The PSC is tasked with anticipating and preventing disputes and conflicts. The missions of this decision-making body of AU also include undertaking peace-making and peace-building initiatives to resolve conflicts, authorizing the deployment of peace support missions, promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
Morocco had served at PSC from 2018 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2025.
At a press briefing following the meeting, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised the central role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in supporting and defending African causes.
“The Kingdom of Morocco is a key player and, as I have stated before, it is a cornerstone for all continental issues,” he said, adding “We are all aware of Morocco’s role in supporting African causes, particularly in terms of security and peacebuilding in countries facing crises.” He emphasized further that Morocco remains a benchmark for African diplomacy and a key interlocutor for African nations, given the Kingdom’s active role in resolving crises on the continental and international stages.
He added that the African Union, particularly the AU Commission, relies heavily on the expertise and know-how of Morocco.
As to his talks with Bourita, he said they focused on “issues of concern to our continent: development, peace, stability, external shocks, as well as key challenges such as energy, industrialization, and agricultural development.”
Intra-African trade and infrastructure development were also on the agenda, he continued, noting that it is difficult to envision trade growth on a continental scale without infrastructure.
“We were also able to share our views on the prospects for the African Union Commission and highlight the means to reach our continent’s objectives. At this stage, Africa must therefore take a stance on global issues,” he said.
