This event, marking a significant step in strengthening joint Arab cooperation and exchanging experiences in local governance, holds particular importance as it reflects Morocco's leading role in achieving the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation between Arab countries across various development fields.
It also highlights Morocco's commitment to strengthening the position of Moroccan cities at both regional and international levels through the adoption of advanced local governance, focusing on sustainability and modern urban planning.
Speaking on this occasion, the Wali of the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region, Younès Tazi, stressed that the event’s hosting in Morocco occurs at a time when the Kingdom, under the enlightened leadership of HM the King Mohammed VI, is paying particular attention to strengthening Arab cooperation, particularly in urban development and global sustainable development.
This event also reflects Morocco's pioneering role as a bridge of communication and rapprochement between the peoples of the Arab nation, amid increasing regional and international challenges, Tazi emphasized, recalling Morocco’s major achievements in urban development, particularly in advancing regionalization and decentralization.
For his part, Tangier's Mayor and president of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Municipal Councils (AMPCC), Mounir Laymouri, noted that this event reflects the strong cooperation and solidarity ties between local authorities in the Arab world in general and cities in particular.
It also reaffirms the common commitment to strengthening territorial development to ensure the well-being of citizens through efficient local governance and good governance practices, he said, adding that "hosting this event in Tangier provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Arab cities and local authorities, exchange experiences on common challenges facing urban governance, particularly in sustainable development, urban expansion management, improving public service quality, and enhancing citizen participation in decision-making".
Accelerated urban expansion, environmental constraints, and economic and social transformations are challenges that require the adoption of advanced public policies ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental preservation, as well as between modernizing urban facilities and preserving the cultural identity of spaces, he noted, highlighting the event's role as an opportunity to create a joint roadmap for more prosperous and sustainable cities.
As for ATO Secretary General, Abdul Rahman Hisham Al-Asfour, he expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the continuous support of the Kingdom of Morocco for the Organization.
He also praised the positive and effective role of Moroccan cities, founding members of the Organization, in supporting the organization, enriching its activities, and strengthening its goals to serve Arab cities and citizens.
Furthermore, Managing Director of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, highlighted that this gathering of Arab cities in Tangier renews the commitment to Al-Qods Acharif and reflects Morocco’s support for Al-Qods and its people.
On instructions from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Qods Committee, the Agency continued its support for Al-Qods and its people last year, implementing 55 projects in health, culture, education, sports, youth, social assistance, human development, and projects for women and children. These projects had a budget exceeding $4.2 million, fully funded by the Kingdom, he noted.
He also emphasized that the Kingdom has achieved tangible results in this area, implementing a support model based on governance, proper management, and a forward-looking vision.
MAP: 01 February 2025
