Speaker of House of Representatives Meets Vice-Chairperson of European Parliament Committee on Development

Speaker of House of Representatives Mr. Habib El Malki held talks, Thursday, February 6^th at the House’s headquarters, with Vice-Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, currently on a working visit to Morocco.

During the meeting, Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou revealed that the EU is currently elaborating a new partnership with Africa, noting that both sides face similar challenges relating to migration, climate change, renewable energy, and so on. Ms. Zacharopoulou also highlighted the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco at both regional and continental levels, saying that “Morocco’s role is vital at the geopolitical, security, and development levels.”

Besides, the Vice-chairperson of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development noted that the new EU policy towards Africa should be pragmatic and for the benefit of both sides. In this respect, she brought up the promising development perspectives in Africa.

For his part, Speaker of House of Representatives Mr. Habib El Malki highlighted that the current phase is characterized by accelerated changes, adding that “Africa has changed over time, and Europe must take into consideration Africa’s development in all sectors.”

Additionally, Mr. El Malki shed light on Morocco’s role in consolidating South-South Cooperation, especially with African countries. In this regard, he reviewed the various partnership agreements Morocco concluded with African countries on infrastructure, banking, education, training, religion, and other areas. He added, “South-South Cooperation can be a lever for North-South Cooperation.”

The meeting was also an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on means to advance Euro-African cooperation, to enhance the situations of women and youth, and other topics relative to development.