In a statement to the press after talks with Mr. Bourita, Mr. Agboraw also expressed his gratitude to the Sovereign for His commitment to develop the South-South region as well as the socio-economic situation of African citizens.

Referring to his meeting with Mr. Bourita, Mr. Agboraw described it as "very fruitful", stressing that it allowed to discuss ways to develop Africa and reach solutions to problems facing the continent.

"We have identified several areas of the nuclear ecosystem that can be a point of cooperation between AFCONE and Morocco," he said, indicating that one of the main concerns of the Commission is to contribute to regional and global peace and security by ensuring that African states adhere to the obligations of non-proliferation, disarmament and nuclear security under the Pelindaba Treaty.

He also recalled the signing of a memorandum of understanding between AFCONE and the Moroccan Center for Energy, Science and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), stressing the willingness of the Commission to take advantage of Morocco's capabilities in the peaceful use of nuclear energy to stimulate and promote sustainable industrial and economic development in Africa.

This is the first time that AFCONE signs a cooperation agreement with an African government, he said, welcoming this "historic moment" which is an important step in achieving intra-African cooperation.

This agreement is part of the vision of HM the King for the African continent, he added, expressing the hope that other African states follow the example of Morocco.

He also welcomed the Moroccan support to AFCONE for the promotion of peace, security and development in the African continent, emphasizing the key role that the Kingdom plays in this sense under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

During this meeting, Mr. Bourita congratulated Mr. Agboraw on his appointment as executive secretary of AFCONE by the Chairperson of the African Commission and expressed Morocco's support for his mandate and his mission to strengthen the role of the Commission to advance peace and development in Africa.

Mr. Bourita stressed the importance of efficient governance of the Commission that will further credibilize its approach, strengthen its prominent role with African states and encourage the ownership by these states of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

He reminded the executive secretary of AFCONE the main lines of the vision of the Sovereign for Africa and the development of a South-South cooperation, which is active and mutually beneficial in all areas including the nuclear for peaceful use.

The Minister also expressed to Mr. Agboraw the willingness of Morocco to examine ways and means to develop a collaboration with AFCONE on the basis of a triangular cooperation MOROCCO-IAEA-AFCONE in training.

The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) was established by the Pelindaba Treaty on the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.

Its mission is to ensure compliance by States Parties with their obligations under the Treaty, as well as to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in various fields, including health, agriculture, industry and energy. Morocco ratified the Treaty of Pelindaba in April 2021 and participated in the 5th Conference of States Parties to this Treaty held in Addis Ababa from 17 to 18 May 2022.