Arab Parliament: Deputy Speaker of the House Stresses Commitment of Morocco to Implement Food Security Instruments

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Mohamed Sabbari, took part in the 5^th Conference of the Arab Parliament, taking place at the seat of the Secretariat-General of the League of Arab States in Cairo, the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In his address during the opening session of the Conference, the Deputy Speaker of the House stressed the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to implement international instruments relating to the preservation of the environment, sustainable development, and food security.

On the same occasion, Rep. Sabbari highlighted the growing interest of Morocco in the issue of food security, referring in this sense to the message sent by HM King Mohammed VI to the Expo Milan 2015, in which the Sovereign stressed, "The real challenge today is to ensure sound, balanced nutrition for all peoples through the achievement of effective and sustainable development and cooperation in food and energy issues. This is the objective we have set for our country because we are concerned that this action is necessary and effective."

Moreover, the Deputy Speaker noted that in addition this principle that Morocco had adopted out of conviction, the Kingdom is also aware that the crisis, although global, has an impact on the Arab world, clarifying that it has its causes and roots in the Arab world, as well as aspects of internal impediments that threaten Arab stability and security.

During the session devoted to the examination of the document elaborated by the Arab Parliament on the issue of food security setting a parliamentary vision for strengthening Arab food security, the Deputy Speaker noted that Morocco remains committed to everything that serves the common Arab interest, anticipates the common Arab future, reinforces the front of hope and cohesion of the components of the Nation and curbs the threats and causes of fraction, conflict, and despair.

In the same vein, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives praised the initiative of the Arab Parliament on the elaboration of a parliamentary vision for solidifying Arab food security, underscoring that this initiative is not a mere slogan but an expression of a real need requiring collective reflection, mobilization of common energies and unity of the entire Arab nation.

He also added that the preparation of this reference document, which would institutionalize dialogues and practical approaches, is a starting point for a more comprehensive vision at the 5th Session of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit to be held in Mauritania, noting that the document can also contribute to the reflection and proposals for the development of an Arab strategy for food security.

Besides, Rep. Sabbari underlined that food and development issues have now emerged as major challenges, and that they require interest and a sense of responsibility, especially considering major changes threatening peace, stability, and security, including its food-related aspect.

In this sense, he recalled the crisis of Covid-19, which has just ended and whose effects are still felt, as well as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its economic, social, and humanitarian repercussions.

These crises adds up to those currently facing the world, such as climate change, migration, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking, as well as organized crime, added Rep. Sabbari, also referring to armed conflicts and issues of economic, social, political, cultural, spiritual and moral development.

In addition to Rep. Mohamed Sabbari, the Moroccan delegation participating in this Conference comprised Cllr. Mohamed Bakkouri, Chairperson of the Group of the National Rally of Independents at the House of Councilors, member of the National Representation at the Arab Parliament and Chairperson of the Arab Committee on Food Security, Mr. Mohcine Mounjid, Head of the Bilateral Relations and Partnership Division at the House of Representatives, and Ms. Touria Alhoumam, General Advisor in the Administration of the House of Councilors.

According to a document of the Arab Parliament, the importance of this Conference lies in the fact that it is being held in light of important issues for the Arab region, including the food security crisis, which requires the coordination of all Arab efforts on all government and parliamentary levels.