Addis Ababa, 8 June 2018: As part of the follow-up on the relevant decisions of the policy organs of the African Union and his regular interactions with the Heads of State and Government of the Member States on issues related to the continental agenda, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, yesterday concluded a two-day visit to the Kingdom of Morocco. During this visit, he was received by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He also met with Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The Chaiperson of the Commission had extensive and open discussions with his interlocutors on all the issues raised.

The exchange of views with His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the other Moroccan officials was an opportunity to take stock of the integration efforts at continental level, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area and other related projects, and at regional level, through the reactivation of the Arab Maghreb Union. Upcoming negotiations on the successor arrangements to the June 2000 Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union, as well as other issues related to the socio-economic development of Africa, including migration, agriculture, environment, education and training, were also discussed. The Moroccan officials reaffirmed their determination to support the African Union Commission to successfully implement the various components of Agenda 2063.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI and other Moroccan interlocutors reiterated the full support of Morocco for the reform process of the African Union and the realisation of its financial autonomy. Morocco is a member of the group of Finance Ministers responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of the reform (F15).

With regard to peace and security, the discussions focused on both the situation in the region and challenges being encountered in other parts of the continent. The exchanges of views were constructive and driven by the desire to find lasting solutions that would enable the continent to overcome the crises that impede its development. The issue of terrorism was also addressed, with a view to strengthening coordination at the continental level.
 
Finally, the Chairperson of the Commission and his interlocutors discussed the current international situation, marked by a worrying decline of multilateralism. In this context, the need for Africa to speak with one voice was stressed as a prerequisite for the continent to bring all its weight to bear in global discussions that affect its future and help to effectively promote the values of solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance that must underlie international relations.

The Chairperson of the Commission paid tribute to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his Government for their contribution to the attainment of the objectives set out in Agenda 2063. It was agreed that a follow-up mission of the Commission would be dispatched at a later date to deepen discussions with the Government of Morocco on aspects related to integration and socio-economic development.

The Chairperson of the Commission expressed his sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his Government for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and to his delegation.