Rabat: The South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum has emerged as a significant platform to bolster cooperation among Southern nations, addressing a range of regional, continental, and international issues of mutual interest. This was emphasized by Mohamed Ould Errachid, the Speaker of the House of Councillors and Chairman of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World, during his address on Monday at the event’s opening in Rabat.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ould Errachid underscored that the forum serves as a pioneering venue for consultation, exchange, and coordination of efforts to confront escalating challenges. These challenges include sustainable development, security, stability, coexistence, respect for state sovereignty, and promoting a new integration model founded on solidarity and shared interests.

The third edition of the forum is taking place amid global transformations and unprecedented challenges across security, economic, social, and
environmental domains. Ould Errachid stressed the necessity for genuine South-South partnerships grounded in constructive dialogue, active cooperation, integration, solidarity, and enhanced adaptability and strategic coordination.

The House of Councillors is dedicated to ensuring the forum’s continuous and periodic convening, enhancing its operational mechanisms, and broadening its membership. This commitment aligns with Morocco’s steadfast dedication, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to fortifying South-South cooperation, as highlighted by Ould Errachid.

This strategic commitment is a core component of Morocco’s foreign policy, leading to the establishment of numerous strategic partnerships to reinforce cooperation and solidarity among countries, particularly in the South. Ould Errachid also highlighted pioneering initiatives and projects at the African and Atlantic levels as innovative models for integration and cooperation, supporting broader Atlantic and stronger South-South partnerships. He
cited the Royal Initiative aimed at improving Sahelian countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean as an unprecedented strategic move to enhance geographical connectivity, economic openness, and regional integration.

He concluded by advocating for a parliamentary roadmap to foster economic integration among Southern countries through the exchange of successful experiences, strengthening legislation, and promoting development projects.