Cairo: Led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Abdelmajid Fassi Fihri, the Moroccan parliamentary delegation participated in the PA-UfM forum and the Parliaments Speakers Summit in Cairo. The delegation, which included members from both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the Mediterranean’s two shores, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Fassi Fihri highlighted the importance of dialogue and peace in fostering ties between Mediterranean nations as foundational for a common future rooted in cooperation and integration. Reflecting on the past thirty years, he noted the positive geopolitical developments and progress in the Middle East conflict that encouraged the establishment of Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary cooperation to support the peace process.

Yahfadouh Ben M’Barek, Deputy Speaker of the House of Councillors, stressed the necessity for joint parliamentary action between Mediterranean shores as a genuine partnership, particularly in the economic sector, to tackle common challenges and promote regional development and stability. He remarked that the theme “Strengthening economic cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean” signifies a strategic shift from political dialogue to economic partnership.

Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker, Hanafy Ali Gebaly, underscored the significance of the Barcelona Process as a hallmark of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, emphasizing its role as a model for comprehensive regional cooperation. He stated that the meeting is an opportunity to evaluate the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership’s progress and address regional challenges with realism and courage.

Mohamed Aboul Eineine, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM, welcomed the new Mediterranean Pact, which aims to link investment with ecological and digital transitions, job creation, and migration management. He emphasized that the Pact’s success will be determined by tangible results and its transformation into a balanced partnership reflecting shared priorities and responsibilities.

The Forum and the Summit of Speakers of Parliaments were preceded by preparatory meetings of the five committees of the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM, as well as meetings of the Bureau and the enlarged Bureau of the Assembly.