Morocco’s Return to AU, Conducive to Africa’s Development, Stability- Zambian President

Zambia’s President Edgar Chagwa Lungu welcomed the return of Morocco to the African Union describing the event as beneficial for the development and stability of the continent.

“His Excellency President Lungu welcomed Morocco’s return to its institutional family and commended His Majesty the King’s address to the Summit as a historical moment paving the way for a promising contribution from Morocco to the development and stability of Africa,” said a joint statement issued following a visit by King Mohammed VI to Lusaka.

During the visit the two leaders held talks and a tribute was paid to “Morocco’s strategic engagement in Africa as a result of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” said the statement.

The Royal visit, part of a new African tour, reflected the commitment of the two countries to foster relations ties as evidenced by the signing of 19 accords that lay the basis for stronger economic ties.

“In this regard, the two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the successful outcome of the Business Forum held between the Zambian and Moroccan business community,” said the statement.

Concerning peace and security issues, Morocco voiced support to Zambia’s tenure at the African Union Peace and Security Council. Both countries voiced willingness to “work together to promote peace, security and stability on the continent as well as to find lasting solutions to ongoing conflicts in Africa in order to attain a conducive environment that would advance the economic agenda of the continent,” added the statement.

In keeping with a south-south cooperation policy in Africa underpinned by co-development and solidarity, Morocco endeavors to strengthen ties with all African countries, including those that formerly espoused the Polisario separatists’ thesis, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria.

And the King’s visit to Zambia is part of this momentum to extend Morocco’s cooperation model to English-speaking African countries.