Speaking at the meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of Atlantic African States, held at the House of Representatives under the theme "Promoting a Parliamentary Network for a Stable, Integrated, and Prosperous Atlantic Africa," speakers and representatives of African parliaments welcomed this initiative, which aligns with the Atlantic African States Process (PEAA) launched in 2022 under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.
They also called for its expansion to include more countries across the continent.
In this context, the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended Morocco’s central and highly valued role in promoting the interests of African countries, urging stakeholders to seize this opportunity to create an environment conducive to economic growth.
He emphasized the need to foster public-private partnerships to boost infrastructure development, facilitate cross-border trade, reduce bureaucratic barriers hindering investment processes, and improve maritime networks.
African countries must adopt strategic legislative measures to help nations in the region harness their natural resources and strengthen regional value chains, he added.
Abbas also underscored the significance of Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project as a cornerstone of energy access and regional integration in West Africa, highlighting its role as a driver of progress and stability across the continent.
For his part, the Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, El Malick Ndiaye, emphasized that his country’s participation in this meeting reflects its commitment to strengthening "our nation’s integration into this strategic Atlantic space, which serves as a vital gateway for Africa’s economic development and stability."
Senegal welcomes this forward-looking initiative and its key role in the Atlantic African States Process, in a spirit of partnership, he said, noting that Morocco is a strategic partner of Senegal, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and industry.
The Speaker of Mauritania’s National Assembly, Mohamed Bamba Meguett, also stressed the importance of uniting the efforts of African states to promote security, peace, and cooperation within the Atlantic space, noting that parliamentary diplomacy should foster partnerships with international organizations to support efforts in security and development.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Republic of Congo’s National Assembly, Isidore Mvouba, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to "contributing to the realization of the Royal Initiative for the Sahel," calling for streghtening energies, efforts, and African expertise to address current challenges.
During the meeting, several Speakers and representatives of parliaments from Atlantic African states emphasized the importance of the PEAA in light of the multiple initiatives undertaken by Morocco under the leadership of HM the King in support of African countries.
They also commended Morocco's efforts, under the leadership of HM the King, to promote South-South cooperation, stability, and integration among countries in the region.
MAP: 06 February 2025
