Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt.Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has emphasised the need to boost trade relations between ECOWAS nations and the Kingdom of Morocco.
He further harped on the need for alliances to be forged between sub-regional blocs and among all African countries to foster development, prosperity and peace building so that the continent will take its pride of place among other continents.
Tunis while addressing the Moroccan House of Councilors at the opening of the 6th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, emphasised that the trade relations between Morocco and West Africa was currently low, pointing out the need for it to be scaled up.
The Forum opened in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on February 20 and is themed: “Social Dialogue and the Stakes of the Social State”
Tunis who led a delegation of ECOWAS parliamentarians and staff of the sub-regional body, commended His Majesty King Mohamed VI (The Sixth) and His Excellency, Ennaam Mayara, Speaker of the House of Councilors for the honor accorded to him and to ECOWAS.
Morocco’s fight against illegal migration, terrorism, extremism, and the speedy recovery of the Moroccan economy, despite the unprecedented repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis and the contraction of the global economy, are worthy of commendation.
He pointed out that ECOWAS had recognised Morocco’s policies as regards ECOWAS countries as well as the numerous reforms undertaken in order to successfully integrate itself into the global economy and Africa in particular.
“We equally acknowledge the low level of trade with ECOWAS countries, the barriers to free movement of peoples and the weak dynamism of our partnership, all of which could be boosted with the development of appropriate frameworks for enhanced trade cooperation..” the Speaker said.
Rising from the opening session, the Speaker also held two separate meetings with the Speaker of the Moroccan House of Councillors, Hon. Ennaam Mayara and Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami.