These transfers are up 5% (+1.83 billion Dirhams), said the Office in its bulletin on the monthly indicators of foreign trade in May.

This bulletin also reported a surplus in the balance of trade in services, up 78.3% to more than 30.63 billion dirhams.

This development is explained by an increase in exports of 44.8% to reach 67.73 billion dirhams, more important than that of imports (+25.3%), according to the same source.

The ministry urges all people aged 18 to 60 and over, as well as people with chronic diseases to get the booster shot, six months after receiving the third dose, said Mouad Mrabet, coordinator at the National Center for Emergency Operations of Public Health.

For six weeks, Morocco has been experiencing the fourth wave of contamination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the second wave of Omicron, the official explained during the COVID-19 situation's monthly review. The latest reports of the national consortium of genomic monitoring show that the Omicron variant is still widespread with two main sub-variants BA.5 (70.5%) and BA.2 (23%), while other sub-variants account for 6% of the cases.

The rate of positive tests has reached 22.6% in the last two weeks, after recording an increase for five consecutive weeks, Mrabet explained, adding that the case reproduction index is now at 1. This means a potential peak in the number of new cases as the propagation of the virus has reached the red vigilance level in most regions of the Kingdom.

According to the official, the number of severe and critical cases admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has increased, but it did not reach the level of the 1st wave of Omicron.

In the last six weeks, 422 patients were admitted to intensive care and resuscitation, compared to the 1,925 admitted in the same period during the first wave of Omicron.

Regarding deaths, Mrabet observed that they are still stable at a low level, with a total of 42 deaths reported over the past six weeks.

Concerning the national vaccination campaign, the coverage rate of the booster dose has reached 18%, with a continuity rate of 27.6%.

The Ministry also calls on citizens to respect the preventive measures, especially during the period of Eid al-Adha. People with respiratory symptoms are urged to wear masks and stop all professional or social activity while going to health facilities for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morocco's trade gap widened to 116.8 billion Dirhams in May, the source pointed out in a release, noting that the coverage rate of imports by exports has reached 60.2%.

Exports amounted to 51.06 billion Dirhams (+40.7%), while imports rose by 39.2% to 82.55 billion Dirhams.

The increase in goods imports concerned almost all product groups. For its part, the energy bill has more than doubled to 54.64 billion Dirhams, due to the increase in supplies of gas-oil and fuel-oil (+MAD 14.02 bln), according to the same source.

Thus, the purchases of semi-finished consumer products increased by 53.9% while raw material purchases jumped by 76%.

Foodstuff imports posted a 31.8% increase, mainly due to the significant increase in purchases of barley (MAD 2.99 billion). 

As for exports, their increase concerned all sectors, mainly the sectors of phosphates and derivatives, automobile, agriculture and agribusiness.

A total of 24,859,694 people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the number of fully vaccinated people (1st and 2nd doses) has reached 23,345,904, the ministry pointed out in its daily COVID-19 bulletin, noting that 6,568,874 people have received the third dose of the vaccine while 926 people have received the fourth dose.

According to the same source, the number of COVID-19 cases reported since the start of the outbreak of the virus rose to 1,230,095, while recoveries increased to 1,188,619, i.e. a recovery rate of 96.6%.

The new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the regions of Casablanca-Settat (1.448), Rabat-Salé-Kenitra (946), Fez-Meknes (532), Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (218), Beni Mellal-Khenifra (167), Marrakech-Safi (137), Souss-Massa (124), the Oriental (98), Draa-Tafilalet (97), Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra (34), Guelmim-Oued Noun (31) and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab (17).

As for coronavirus-related fatalities, they increased to 16,131, with 11 cases reported in the past 24 hours in the regions of Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Fez-Meknes, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Beni Mellal-Khenifra.

The number of active cases has dropped to 25,345, while 45 severe or critical cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, bringing their total number to 179.

The talks took place in the presence of the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN, Omar Hilale, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans abroad.

On this occasion, the Moroccan delegation recalled the constants of Morocco's stance in favor of a political solution, based exclusively on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, within the framework of the Kingdom's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as reaffirmed by HM King Mohammed VI in his speech on the occasion of the 46th Anniversary of the Green March, on November 6, 2021.

The delegation also reiterated Morocco's commitment to the political process of the round tables, in accordance with resolution 2602, which calls for a "realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise-based" political solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, the statement said.

Morocco represents for several centuries a model of coexistence and convergence of civilizations, cultures and religions, said the Ambassador of the Kingdom to the Holy See, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, who spoke at a conference on interfaith dialogue, held recently at the Grand Mosque in Rome.

The ambassador welcomed the uniqueness of the Moroccan religious model, based on the Commandery of the Faithful, which is "a factor of unity and a guarantor of respect for the principles and values of Islam in Morocco," highlighting the efforts of HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, in promoting the values of tolerance and interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Noting that "the Commandery of the Faithful, as proven by history and reality, provides Morocco with immunity against all kinds of extremism and ignorance, through the consecration of a moderate Islam," the diplomat noted that "the Kingdom draws its foundations in the true values of Islam, including tolerance and coexistence.

Naji Mekkaoui also reviewed the initiatives launched by the Sovereign to restructure the religious field and fight against extremism, including the establishment of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, the Higher Council of Ulemas, the European Council of Moroccan Ulemas, the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Imams Morchidines and Morchidates, the religious talks ''Dourouss Hassania'' and the mediation and support efforts.

In addition, the ambassador stressed that the secular relations between Morocco and the Holy See, which date back to the 11th century, continue to strengthen, recalling the historic visit of Pope Francis to Morocco in March 2019.

Naji Mekkaoui has, thus, recalled that this visit, placed under the sign of the promotion of interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, was marked by the signing by HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, and by the Pope, of the Al-Quds Appeal which has "contributed significantly to promoting the values of brotherhood, peace and tolerance."

The ambassador also highlighted "Morocco's reputation as a moderate Muslim country and reliable partner."

Speaking at the opening of the Moroccan-Andean Community Parliamentary Forum at the headquarters of the Moroccan Parliament, Mayara said that the Andean countries are the western gateway to the Atlantic economic space, while Morocco is the gateway to the economic system and the Mediterranean value chain.

This situation, added Mayara, facilitates trade and the establishment of a range of industries, services, logistics activities and export processing zones.

In this context, he pointed out that the Moroccan-Andean common market includes about 195 million consumers, while the continental common market includes about 2.1 billion consumers, including 1.3 billion on the African continent and about 700 million in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to these demographic indicators, Mayara said, it is worth highlighting a range of natural assets, including large coasts that would facilitate the development of an integrated system for the maritime economy, the availability of strategic natural resources such as phosphate, which is a central element in the equation of global food sovereignty, as well as oil and gas and enormous natural potential that will allow Morocco and the Andean Community to confirm their leadership in the production of green hydrogen, which would be the real fuel for the future.

However, the Moroccan official noted that despite all these important capabilities, the level of economic cooperation and trade between the Kingdom and the Andean Community remains below the common aspirations, believing that the development of economic and trade relations between the two parties must be placed at the center of common interests.

In this regard, he said that Morocco could open an important market of 1.3 billion consumers to the benefit of Andean countries under a continental free trade agreement, and that the Andean countries constitute about 32% of the Latin American market, noting that both parties have the capacity to build a common value chain, especially in the agri-food and electronics industries, fertilizers and marine industries.

In this sense, he called to reflect on the possibility of creating a mechanism for consultation and political cooperation to promote development, trade and exchange of best technological practices, and to work for the emergence of a practical and effective cooperation framework that can reach the level of a free trade area or an advanced economic space in the future.

He also stressed the need to encourage the creation of investment funds between Morocco and the Andean Community to promote the joint establishment of industrial, agricultural and service activities, and to consider the creation of a joint development financing institution, in addition to the importance of coordinating efforts to develop innovative plans to keep pace with the major transformations of the global trading system.

It is also about putting in place practical measures to strongly access the dynamism of the fourth industrial revolution and digital transformation, and to continue to strengthen logistical cooperation between the airports of the Andean countries and Morocco, as well as between the ports of Tanger Med and Dakhla Atlantic in the Moroccan Sahara, and the Andean port system.

This Parliamentary Forum, which addresses two major themes that are "economic cooperation and trade" and "energy security", is held in the context of the visit of members of the Andean Parliament in the Kingdom, from 1 to 9 July, at the invitation of the Moroccan Parliament.

This visit is part of the strengthening of South-South cooperation advocated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as the consolidation of the existing partnership between the Moroccan Parliament and the Andean Parliament, in addition to the consultation and exchange on a range of issues of common interest.

The forum, organized as part of the visit of members of the Andean Parliament in the Kingdom from 1 to 9 July at the invitation of the Moroccan Parliament, is part of the strengthening of South-South cooperation advocated by HM King Mohammed VI, as well as the consolidation of the partnership between the Moroccan Parliament and its Andean counterpart, in addition to the consultation and exchange on a range of issues of common interest.

The forum is an opportunity to review the opportunities and potential offered by the Kingdom, considered a gateway to the African continent and the Arab world, as well as the Andean countries as a platform to access the Atlantic economic space, in addition to taking advantage of the promising potential of Moroccan-Andean relations.

The Andean Parliament, had held Monday in Laayoune, the work of its regular session, a first of its kind held outside the member states of this regional organization.

The visit of members of the Andean Parliament in Laayoune was an opportunity for officials to learn more about the dynamics of socio-economic development in the region of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra.

The Moroccan Parliament and the Andean Parliament had signed in July 2018 at the headquarters of the House of Advisors, a memorandum of understanding to establish channels of communication and parliamentary interaction through the exchange of visits, experiences, information and documents.

Under this memorandum of understanding, the Moroccan Parliament has the status of advanced partner with this parliamentary organization.

The Parliament of the Andean Community is a parliamentary organization created in 1979 with the aim of harmonizing legislation and accelerating integration among the member countries of this group.

Speaking during a plenary debate on the recent group storming attempt of the metal fence in the province of Nador, the official said she "intends to continue discussions with Morocco (...) to strengthen our global partnership on migration."

Noting that "99% of illegal migrants use smugglers," Johansson said that those involved in the Nador incidents "came from Sudan and went through Libya and Algeria."

The smugglers are responsible for the tragic fate of these people, she added, stressing the need to "work with our African partners, countries of origin, transit and destination, including Morocco, to act against smugglers, address the root causes, reduce irregular migration flows and improve legal flows."

Recalling that since taking office, she had worked on "the creation of a strong partnership with countries of origin, transit or destination", Johansson called for "targeting the roots of illegal migration, so people are not forced to risk their lives (...) and open legal migration channels to fight against smugglers."

The attempted forced crossing of the metal fence in the province of Nador was marked by the use of unprecedented violence by the candidates for illegal migration against the elements of law enforcement, who acted with professionalism and respect for the laws and regulations.

Armed with stones, clubs and sharp objects, these would-be illegal migrants resisted violently the law enforcement officers, who were mobilized to prevent them from crossing the fence.

Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this meeting, which continues until July 6, offers the opportunity to analyze the challenges facing African countries and to discuss ways to help them face them.

The opening ceremony of this large-scale event was marked by a Royal Message addressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the participants, which was read out by Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui.

In this Royal message, His Majesty King Mohammed VI stressed the need for "stronger support and more consistent international cooperation in favor of African countries" to "spare them from being severely affected by the inflationary wave that is hitting the global economy and to help them develop greater resilience to external shocks."

The Sovereign noted that the world had barely emerged from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic when the global economy found itself caught in a spiral of unprecedented disruptions to supply chains and subject to growing inflationary pressures and a record rise in energy, food and commodity prices.

The African continent appears, in this difficult situation, "as one of the most affected regions, both in terms of the multiple threats to its food and energy security and the decline in its economic growth rates," noted HM the King.

In an address on this occasion, Fettah Alaoui highlighted the constant commitment of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to joint action and African solidarity, noting that the African Caucus 2022 will address issues of great importance to the Continent, in particular the most appropriate way to defend the interests of Africa at the World Bank and the IMF and the mobilization of Breton Woods institutions to provide more effective support to Africa in the pursuit of its resilience.

In this regard, she noted that African countries are facing a conjunction marked by crises and challenges of unprecedented magnitude, while the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down decades of development progress on our continent, with poverty indicators tending to rise.

She continued that the pandemic, coupled with the Ukrainian crisis and climate change, have amplified existing development challenges in Africa, including those related to youth, unemployment, the digital divide and energy and food insecurity.

Fettah Alaoui said that discussions will focus on financing Africa's development, repositioning public debt as a catalyst, economic recovery and sustainable growth and rethinking global finance and on regional integration, particularly in areas such as energy, digitization and youth, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the climate crisis and food security in Africa.

For his part, the High Representative for the African Union (AU) Peace Fund, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, called for strong and sustained international support to enable Africa to transcend the enormous challenges it faces, which are brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, noting that the IMF and the WBG have played a major role in supporting the continent in the face of this pandemic crisis.

To address these crises, Kaberuka said he was in favor of encouraging the cultivation of wheat, taking advantage of the enormous agricultural potential of the continent, which remains untapped, and relying on the fertilizer industry, as developed by Morocco to develop this sector.

In this context, Kaberuka said that the resilience of Africa is inescapable through the reform of health systems and the generalization of social protection, debt management and quality of spending, and the promotion of a true African pharmaceutical industry, highlighting, as an example, the project to build in Morocco a manufacturing unit of anti COVID-19 and other vaccines and which will help ensure and guarantee the sovereignty of vaccines in Africa.

The African Caucus, of which Morocco holds the presidency for the current year, meets in Marrakech, in order to coordinate and harmonize the positions of the African Governors concerning the annual memorandum which is addressed to the IMF and the WBG and presented on the occasion of the Annual Meetings of these two institutions.

Several issues are on the agenda of this meeting, including the debt problem, the challenges of digitalization and climate change.

Participants in this economic event will discuss several topics including: "Financing Africa's development: the challenges of the current situation", "Repositioning public debt as a catalyst for economic recovery and sustainable growth", "Rethinking the global financial architecture", "regional economic integration", "the climate crisis" and "dealing with the impact of climate on food security"

The work of this meeting will be sanctioned by the adoption of the "Marrakech Declaration".

Created in 1963, the "Africa Caucus" is a forum for consultation of African countries for coordination with the IMF and the WBG in joint development programs.

The Caucus usually meets once a year (July-August), at the initiative of its chair, to coordinate and harmonize the positions of African governors on the annual memorandum that is sent to the IMF and WBG and presented at the Annual Meetings of these two institutions.