The meeting was held on the sidelines of the works of the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament that is taking place at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Dublin.

On this occasion, Mayara paid tribute to the quality of relations between Morocco and Ireland, based on mutual respect, friendship, and solidarity. He also stressed the importance of giving new impetus to parliamentary cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy that completes the governmental cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The Speaker of Morocco's House of Advisors insisted on consolidating bilateral cooperation with the Irish Senate and strengthening multi-party parliamentary action.

He also stressed the need to establish channels of communication and interaction through exchanges of visits, experience, and expertise between the two parliamentary bodies, in addition to coordinating efforts and positions at the level of regional, continental, and international parliamentary bodies.

Referring to the strengthening of economic and trade relations between Morocco and Ireland, Mayara praised the role played by the two countries' ambassadors in Rabat and Dublin in bringing the two parties closer together at all political, economic, cultural, or social levels.

For his part, Buttimer praised the quality of bilateral relations, expressing his desire to develop them, particularly by strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening the role of parliamentary friendship groups between the two assemblies, promoting effective dialogue, mutual visits, and sharing experiences in areas of common interest.

In the context of regional and international challenges, particularly problems linked to climate change, security challenges, and the achievement of sustainable development, it is necessary to pool efforts and strengthen parliamentary cooperation, said the Speaker of the Irish Senate.

This meeting, which is part of the implementation of the contents of the Royal Letter addressed to the Head of Government and relating to the revision of the Family Code, comes to concretize the Royal decision announced by HM the King in the Speech of the Throne for the year 2022 and translate the High solicitude which the Sovereign does not cease granting to the promotion of the questions of the woman and the family in general.

In a statement to the press on this occasion, Ouahbi indicated that this first meeting follows on from the one held with the Head of Government, during which the preparation of forthcoming meetings with a view to the organization and distribution of missions was discussed, adding that from next Friday onwards, the start will be made of this major project initiated by HM the King, who places the issue of the family among top priorities.

"We will be listening to the civil forces and government officials, and we will try to listen to everyone in order to agree on a set of changes," he added, expressing the wish to "live up to HM the King's trust to promote the status of Moroccan women in an equitable manner, which remains our main goal.”

In a similar statement, Abdennabaoui stressed that HM the King is sensitive to issues relating to the Moroccan family, and is always ready to listen to the grievances and expectations of citizens, pointing out that the Sovereign has kindly set up this committee to revise the Family Code, which has been in force for 20 years, long enough to identify the shortcomings and problems facing the family.

The committee began its work immediately after being informed by the Head of Government of the content of the Royal Letter, and having familiarized itself with the concepts and the Royal High Directions it contains.

The committee started its work to determine the modus operandi, the working groups and the mode to be followed for the hearing of the various parties concerned by the question, and for the holding of the necessary consultations in an intense, close and broad manner in accordance with the High Instructions of HM the King.

"Starting next week, the committee will begin hearing some parties, and this operation will continue thereafter,” he said, expressing the wish to live up to the Royal Confidence to put forward proposals likely to provide Moroccans with a new Code that meet the aspirations of the Moroccan family.

"We expect all parties to inform us of their concerns, expectations and suggestions, which we can study in order to come up with proposals for submission to the High Royal Appreciation," he added.

For his part, Daki emphasized that the meeting of this committee, set up by order of His Majesty the King, comes within the framework of the implementation of the Sovereign's High Directives contained in the Royal Letter aimed at revising the Family Code, and the presentation of the broad outlines of the Code, the meeting and the work of this committee.

Daki hailed the High Royal Initiative to revise, amend and reform the Family Code, in view of its vital importance in preserving the family entity, be it the woman or the child, stressing the importance of this opportunity "as it comes two decades after the current Code came into force, and during which, of course, many failings and dysfunctions were identified.”

The Royal Wisdom is manifested through the identification of these dysfunctions with a view to revising certain articles and provisions aimed at improving and better organizing all the components of the Moroccan family, in addition to ensuring the implementation of the broad outlines of HM the King's High Orientations contained in The Royal Letter.

Daki also praised the cooperation and involvement of the various institutions, so that "we can listen and be open to the different players and sensitivities in line with the High Royal Orientations, and listen to any component of society with an opinion in this general orientation desired by His Majesty the King.”

At a meeting of the AU's PSC devoted to interaction with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the follow-up to the implementation of commitments resulting from the Malabo Extraordinary Summit on Humanitarian Aid, the Moroccan delegation stressed that the registration and identification of refugees is a fundamental prerequisite for the implementation of the triptych of the UNHCR's mandate, namely international protection, the granting of assistance and the search for durable solutions.

In addition, the Moroccan delegation recalled that the Kingdom, as a committed player in the global and regional management of migratory flows, launched its National Immigration and Asylum Strategy in 2013, which has enabled, among other things, the implementation of two exceptional regularization operations for over 50,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, giving priority to women and children.

She also pointed out that Morocco had actively contributed to the development and implementation of the two Global Covenants on Refugees and Migration. The Moroccan delegation reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to continuing its contribution to collective efforts to protect and assist refugees.

In the same context, the Moroccan delegation condemned the devastating effects of the embezzlement of humanitarian aid, as demonstrated by UN humanitarian agencies, while calling for exploring ways and means to counter this scourge.

In an article titled "Morocco Emerges as a Pivotal Hub in the Geopolitics of Electric Vehicles", the specialized media outlet highlights the growing influx of investments in Morocco and the increasing number of foreign companies establishing a significant presence to supply Western markets.

Movilidad Eléctrica provides the example of the Chinese company CNGR Advanced Material, a global leader in manufacturing battery components for electric vehicles. This company is planning to construct an industrial complex in Morocco, with an investment of nearly $2 billion. The same source added that the Chinese group aims to produce materials for equipping over a million electric vehicles annually.

The media also reports recent investments in battery components for electric cars, such as South Korea's LG Chem, which has announced the establishment of two plants in Morocco for the production of LFP cathodes and lithium conversion. These components are essential in battery manufacturing for electric vehicles.

Highlighting Morocco's advantages in terms of natural resources, the Spanish portal mentions that Moroccan companies can leverage access to significant natural resources, including abundant phosphate reserves, which account for more than 70% of the world's volume.

The article also notes Morocco's potential for cobalt production and its partnership with the Swiss mining giant Glencore in battery recycling activities.

Another advantage, according to the Spanish magazine, is that electric vehicle companies establishing factories in Morocco benefit from the free trade agreement between Rabat and Washington.

The MoU, signed by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, and his Djiboutian counterpart, Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, aims to establish strong and lasting relations between the various components of the two countries' health systems. 

Driven by a spirit of South-South cooperation, these relations seek to develop research, expertise, and training activities designed to strengthen the healthcare systems of both countries. They also aim to offer ongoing education and skills development to students, managers, teachers, and researchers. 

Ait Taleb stated that the signing of this MoU strengthens and enriches the existing partnership between Morocco and Djibouti, particularly in terms of healthcare structures and training. He also noted that the partnership is scheduled to take effect in October. 

Following his condolences to the Moroccan people following the Al Haouz earthquake, Robleh emphasized that his visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two Ministries of Health. 

The MoU includes the twinning of the University Hospital Centers (CHU) of Rabat and Djibouti through a technical partnership for the training of doctors, specialists, and paramedics, as well as the exchange of experience between Moroccan experts and their Djiboutian counterparts.

"The unceasing support of His Majesty the King and the great commitment of the leaders of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), who are always focused on success, led us to believe that the members of CAF would have no doubts, when it came to voting, in unanimously choosing the Kingdom of Morocco to organize this important continental soccer competition," wrote the newspaper.

Under the headline "CAF chooses Morocco to organize AFCON 2025", Jornal De Angola underscored that the quality of Morocco's sports and hotel infrastructure convinced the leaders of the Confederation's Executive Committee to unanimously award Morocco the organization of the 35th edition of the African Nations Championship.

The newspaper emphasizes that Morocco's sports infrastructure was highly appreciated, even by FIFA directors, due to its quality, not to mention the excellent roads throughout the Kingdom.

Similarly, the newspaper echoed the words of FIFA President Giovanni Infantino, who hailed Morocco's potential in the field of sports and its strong candidacy to host AFCON 2025.

"Morocco is a great country not only in football but also in the organization of major events," he said.

In this context, the Angolan media outlet recalled that seven months ago, Morocco opened its doors to the continent as part of the Media Tour, a journalistic and tourism project that brought 162 journalists from several African countries, including Angola, to the Kingdom. The aim was to showcase the country's ability to organize major international competitions.

The media representatives witnessed stadiums in good condition, quality hotels, modern transportation, tourism opportunities, medical facilities, and well-maintained roads that will enable supporters, tourists, and participating teams to move around seamlessly.

Noting that Morocco has several world-class stadiums to host the games of the 35th edition of the continental competition, the media reported that AFCON 2025 will be played in six Moroccan cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, and Agadir.

"All six stadiums have been built to modern standards and meet FIFA requirements, making them capable of hosting any type of official competition, including AFCON, World Cup, and Olympic Games," the newspaper praised.

“Religious tolerance is a hallmark of Morocco’s history — from its welcoming of refugees fleeing the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the 15th century to late King Mohammed V’s efforts to protect Jews during World War II,” says the report released by the Office of the US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

The document underlines the role of Bay Dakira, noting that the goal of this space is “to help preserve Morocco’s ancient Jewish heritage by revitalizing a historic synagogue, signifying the country’s goodwill toward its Jewish population.”

“The site serves as a symbol of Morocco’s commitment to multiculturalism and the preservation of its rich Jewish heritage,” the report stresses.

The document also underlines the importance of the action of the Mimouna Association, saying that this NGO “seeks to expand awareness among Moroccan youth regarding the rich Jewish cultural history that has existed in the country for thousands of years.”

“Mimouna was created by a group of young Muslim students that aspired to promote and preserve Moroccan Jewish heritage,” the report points out, adding that “the bulk of Mimouna’s operations are centered around educational programs that elevate interfaith dialogue and encourage cultural pluralism in Morocco.”

The US report identifies more than 40 programs, policies, and actions from around the world that counter antisemitism.

    
Madrid, 29/09/2023 -(MAP)- The unanimous designation of Morocco to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON-2025) is "an excellent boost" for the tripartite Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid to host the 2030 World Cup and a "great source of joy for all friends of Morocco," emphasized the Andalusia-Morocco friendship association "Forum Ibn Rochd".

"We would like to express our joy at Morocco's victory, designated by the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football to host AFCON 2025, the most important football tournament on the continent," the association stated in a press release.

The same source then highlighted that Morocco's "well-deserved" selection is not a coincidence but the result of a combination of factors, including a "bold and coherent" state policy in this area, "massive and indisputable public support" for sports, both men's and women's, particularly football, and a "very high level in terms of quality and quantity of top-level athletes and international football stars," as evidenced from its Olympic medals as well as the "outstanding performance" of the national team at the World Cup in Qatar.

"In Andalusia, we are aware of this because we are privileged to have some of the greatest figures in Moroccan football in our teams," said the association.

"Morocco's triumph in hosting AFCON-2025 will be an excellent point of support for our countries, Spain and Morocco, along with Portugal, in their bid to host the 2030 Football World Cup, symbolizing the profound twinning between our cultures, our societies, and our continents," concluded the same source.

The arrangement will support Morocco’s transition to a greener economy and help strengthen its preparedness and resilience against natural disasters, including from climate change, the Washington-based institution pointed out in a release.

The 18-months arrangement "will help Morocco address climate vulnerabilities, bolster its resilience against climate change, and seize the opportunities from decarbonization", the financial institution underlined.

"It would also help the Moroccan authorities strengthen preparedness for natural catastrophes and stimulate financing for sustainable development", it said.

"The IMF concluded a staff-level agreement with Morocco to provide $1.3 billion in financing over the long term" so that the Kingdom can build more strength to face disasters in the future that may take place because of the climate crisis, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, had told the Moroccan news agency.

The IMF chief noted that climate change is among the main challenges facing the international community.

"Beyond the world powers, the electric mobility revolution also involves Morocco, rich in mineral resources and renewable energies," writes the prominent geopolitical magazine Formiche, emphasizing the Kingdom's "globally competitive" potential in cobalt and phosphate.

The media outlet points out that Morocco possesses 70% of the world's rock phosphate reserves, and its cobalt reserves rank eleventh. Access to renewable energies is also noted as a "stimulating" factor for foreign investors.

According to the magazine, the abundant availability of materials, combined with the potential for using renewable energies, positions Morocco as an ideal platform for focusing on LFP (lithium iron phosphate) materials. These materials can offer a cost advantage of 70% per kilogram over traditional NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) materials and reduce the risk of toxicity due to the presence of elements like manganese oxide.

Highlighting Morocco's determination to become a manufacturing hub for electric batteries, the publication notes that Rabat's goal is to increase materials production to support the capacity for 1 million vehicles (both thermal and electric) by 2025, compared to the current 700,000.

For its part, Start Magazine underscores Morocco's advantageous geographic and geopolitical positioning, which can serve as a manufacturing base for companies interested in exporting to the United States, thanks to the free trade agreement between Rabat and Washington. The Kingdom also maintains strong trade relations with Europe and offers strategic geographic proximity, along with its "enormous" potential for phosphate, a key ingredient for LFP batteries, known for their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional batteries.

The media reports on the interest from foreign investors, particularly from Asia, including the recent announcement by South Korea's LG Chem, in collaboration with China's Huayou, to establish two plants in Morocco for the production of LFP cathodes and lithium conversion, essential components in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles.

The electronic media outlet Internazionale.it adds that other South Korean and Chinese investors in the sector of minerals essential for the ecological transition and the battery supply chain are also expressing enthusiasm for Morocco.

"In the global reconfiguration brought about by the ecological transition and geopolitical shifts, one country is emerging as a success story: Morocco," comments the media.