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Politics

Advancing Regional Cooperation: Morocco's Top Diplomat Holds Key Talks at African Union Summit

Monday 19 February 2024 - 08:40

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Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, has been actively engaging with his counterparts from Ethiopia and Madagascar on the sidelines of the 37th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. According to sources close to the discussions, Bourita met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie on Sunday to discuss a range of mutual interests and avenues for bolstering cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, Bourita held talks with Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rasata Rafaravavitafika to explore similar topics.

Informed observers indicate the conversations touched on several pressing regional issues and potential ways to enhance collaboration across a variety of domains. While details remain confidential, participants reportedly addressed challenges impacting the Horn of Africa and explored new partnerships to address developmental priorities.

The discussions come as leaders gather at AU headquarters to chart the continental body's path forward. On the agenda is assessing institutional overhauls and evaluating progress in implementing the Agenda 2063 long-term development blueprint. Heads of state are also poised to kickstart the next ten-year phase to further the objectives of Africa's unified vision.

Bourita’s high-level engagements and King Mohammed VI’s representation at the summit underscore Morocco’s growing stature as an influential player committed to African priorities. Since rejoining the AU five years ago, the North African kingdom has taken a leadership role on critical files like security and economic integration. This was cemented with Morocco’s recent reelection to lead the AU’s Peace and Security Council, demonstrating other member states’ faith in its ability to advance stability across the continent.

As discussions continue in Ethiopia’s capital on guiding the AU towards its ambitious goals, Bourita’s talks indicate Morocco remains dedicated to constructive dialogue and pragmatic cooperation with its neighbors for the benefit of all Africans.