Speaker Calls for Closer Arab-African Relations

Speaker of the House of Representatives (lower house) Habib El Malki, called for boosting relations between Arab and African countries, Monday in Rabat.

Speaking at the opening session of the 24th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), El Malki promoted the alliance of the AIPU with the African parliamentary body as a means to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and exchange of experience.

He also commended Morocco’s achievements on the African continent, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI in the economic, social, cultural, educational and religious fields.

El Malki stated that several historical, geographical, socio-cultural, economic, diplomatic and strategic facts testify to the importance and significance of close relations between African and Arab states.

He also reaffirmed the full adherence of Morocco to the orientations and recommendations of the 23rd AIPU Conference, held in Cairo in April 2016. Of particular importance is developing the Union’s working mechanisms and strengthening its political action concerning common matters, especially the Palestinian cause.

Established on June 21, 1974, the AIPU is meant to enhance the exchange between Arab Parliaments. Its mandate is also to coordinate the activities of member parliaments in international and other arenas and to increase the exchange with other regional parliamentary unions and national parliamentary organizations.

It is also responsible for coordinating the legislation of Arab states and furthering discussions of the common problems the Arab world is facing.

Source : Morocco World News