Rabat: The Forum of Presidents of the Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico (FOPREL) announced on Wednesday in Rabat that the Moroccan Parliament had been promoted from ‘permanent observer member’ within FOPREL, granted in 2014, to ‘advanced partner’.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the decision was voted unanimously by FOPREL members and unveiled at the Forum’s 30th extraordinary session opening, hosted by the Moroccan Parliament under the theme “Facing the common challenges of security, climate change, and economic development.” During this session, a certificate of recognition was awarded to Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami and Speaker of the House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid, acknowledging Morocco’s pivotal role in enhancing South-South cooperation, particularly between Africa and Latin America.

FOPREL Executive Secretary General Ariel Albarado Urbina, speaking at the event, emphasized that the promotion of Morocco’s status was a resu
lt of the Moroccan Parliament’s dedication to fostering cooperation with Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. This has been achieved through several joint projects that address shared challenges and aim to create a common vision for the future of these countries.

Urbina highlighted that the ‘advanced partner’ status will guarantee the Moroccan Parliament’s ongoing presence within the Forum. He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to cultivating an environment that supports flexible and balanced co-development through parliamentary diplomacy.

Moreover, the Executive Secretary General commended the efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his leadership, attributing them to Morocco’s growth and prosperity. He noted that hosting the Forum’s 30th extraordinary session underscores Morocco’s dedication to bolstering international parliamentary relations.

Ahmed Lakhrif, the representative of Morocco’s House of Councillors to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), expressed to MAP that the Moroccan P
arliament’s new status is a testament to the Kingdom’s significant efforts to strengthen ties with the countries within this parliamentary bloc. This upgraded status is expected to enhance Morocco’s active involvement across all member countries of the forum, as well as its influence in other regional organizations in Latin America, such as PARLACEN, the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino), and the Parliament of the Economic Community of South American Countries (Parlasur).