Geneva: Upper House Speaker engaged in significant discussions with counterparts from Zambia and Ecuador during Morocco’s participation in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva. These meetings aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation between legislative institutions at both bilateral and multilateral levels, thereby strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and increasing parliamentary contributions to major regional and international issues.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the discussions underscored the robust relations between Morocco and Zambia. Zambian National Assembly Speaker Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the two nations, highlighting Morocco’s support for Zambia, especially in higher education, and a mutual interest in boosting economic exchanges in agriculture. She emphasized the significance of such meetings for coordinating efforts and exchanging views on shared interests.

Ould Errachid, on his part, acknowledged Zambia’s steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy initiative for the southern provinces, recognizing it as the sole solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

In the meeting with Ecuador’s National Assembly President Niels Olsen, discussions revolved around fortifying institutional relations, coordinating in international forums, and advancing South-South cooperation for sustainable development. Olsen noted the focus on developing bilateral cooperation in parliamentary diplomacy and enhancing coordination in international arenas, particularly in agriculture.

These dialogues are part of broader efforts to strengthen ties with regional and international parliamentary bodies and to foster consultation on peace and development issues. Attending the meetings were members of the Bureau of the House of Councillors, including Miloud Masside (UMT), Mohammed Salem Benmassoud (UGTM), Mustapha Moucharik (RNI), and Abderrahman Oiffa (PAM), alongside Secretary General El Assad Zerouali, the President’s Chief of Staff Mansour Lambarki, and Director of External Relations and Communication Saad Ghazi.