Morocco was unanimously re-elected Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the European Center for Global Interdependence and Solidarity, commonly known as the Council of Europe’s North-South Center, during the Committee’s meeting held on May 19 in Lisbon.
The Kingdom’s re-election, represented by Morocco’s Consul General in Strasbourg, Soumia Bouhamidi, in charge of relations with the Council of Europe, reflects renewed confidence in Morocco and recognition of its constant commitment to dialogue, cooperation, international solidarity and closer ties between the European, Mediterranean, African and Arab spheres.
This re-election confirms Morocco’s active and constructive role within the North-South Center, as well as its sustained contribution to promoting the shared values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and intercultural dialogue, in line with the priorities of the Council of Europe and the Center’s mission to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding among peoples.
It also illustrates the credibility enjoyed by Moroccan diplomacy, particularly in promoting North-South partnership, triangular cooperation, human development and rapprochement between regions and cultures.
During the meeting, the Moroccan diplomat stressed the importance of collective action and international cooperation in addressing global challenges, affirming that “no major challenge can be tackled in isolation,” whether in relation to the prevention of armed conflicts, the protection of civilians, particularly children, or the fight against disinformation. She called for the consolidation of multilateralism grounded in respect for international law.
The meeting took place amid renewed institutional momentum within the North-South Center, marked by the unanimous election of Andorra to the chairmanship of the Executive Committee, represented by its ambassador Andreu Jordi. The latter presented his country’s vision, rooted in a seven-century legacy of peace and based on mediation and intercultural dialogue.
From its position as Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee, Morocco contributes to supporting this momentum with a view to promoting inclusive governance based on dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility.
The meeting preceded the award ceremony of the 31st edition of the Council of Europe North-South Prize, held at the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon. Portuguese President António José Seguro and Speaker of the Portuguese National Assembly José Pedro Aguiar-Branco presented the distinction to Icelandic children’s rights expert Bragi Gudbrandsson and Palestinian journalist Rami Abou Jamous, in recognition of their efforts in promoting human rights, democracy, the rule of law, intercultural dialogue and solidarity between Northern and Southern countries.
Through this new 2026-2028 mandate, Morocco reaffirms its full readiness to continue its action within the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre, in close coordination with all its partners, with a view to promoting inclusive governance based on dialogue and mutual respect, and strengthening an open, balanced and supportive multilateral system serving peace, stability and sustainable development.
The North-South Center is an Enlarged Partial Agreement of the Council of Europe that serves as an important instrument of its external dimension, transmitting its values, standards, and tools beyond the European continent through political dialogue, networking, and the implementation of co-operation projects, notably among young people. It brings together several countries from Europe, Middle East and Africa to exchange ideas and act on shared concerns.
