In accordance with the guidelines of HM the King, Morocco's participation in the Addis Ababa summit was based on constructive contribution in the debates on the continent's challenges and the defense of the Kingdom's strategic interests since its return to the AU in 2017, said, Monday in Addis Ababa, minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

Morocco contributed effectively to the discussions on the two major themes of the 33rd summit, namely silencing the weapons and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the minister said at a press conference held at the AU headquarters.

Regarding AfCFTA, Bourita noted that it is an ambitious goal that is in line with the Vision of HM the King for an Africa without complexes and capable of taking charge of itself.

This is also an important objective that should strengthen regional integration, an objective that Morocco strongly defends, especially since its return to the AU, the minister added, stressing that the continental zone must be based on solid and sound foundations, meeting a number of conditions related in particular to infrastructure and legal requirements.

Referring to the peace and security situation in Africa, the minister noted that the continent is living at the pace of an increasing terrorist threat. Silencing the weapons requires a holistic approach that addresses the roots of violence including the proliferation of armed, separatist and terrorist groups, he pointed out.

Bourita highlighted, at this press conference, the presentation, during this 33rd African summit, of the report of HM King Mohammed VI, Leader of the AU in the field of migration, on the follow-up to the establishment of the African Migrations Observatory in Morocco.

The Sovereign's report stressed the need to dispel any confusion between migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, Bourita said, noting that the document announced the forthcoming inauguration of the Observatory as a new AU mechanism.

The report was very well received by African leaders at the Addis Ababa summit, he said.

Also, the minister recalled that Morocco, a responsible State, remains committed to the AU agenda. In this spirit, the Kingdom treats the chairmanship of the AU by South Africa according to the objectives set by the pan-African organization.

Morocco has a definite added value with regard to the AU agenda, an added value recognized by member States and the Commission of the Union, he stressed, expressing the determination of the Kingdom to fully play its positive and constructive role within the pan-African organization.

While fully committed to the achievement of the African agenda, the Kingdom will remain permanently engaged to defend its national interests, causes and priorities, Bourita underlined.