Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Organization of La Francophonie and its principles, including cultural and linguistic diversity, solidarity, cooperation, and peace. This commitment was made during the 48th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Abdel Rahim Rahali, Morocco's ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, emphasized Morocco's continued contribution to promoting cooperation, sharing, and solidarity among member states since its accession to the organization in 1981.
Rahali highlighted Morocco's participation in several initiatives launched by the organization, particularly in education, training, cultural diplomacy, gender equality, and peacekeeping. He stressed the need to expand opportunities for younger generations. Morocco is set to host the second ministerial conference on peacekeeping in the Francophone space in 2026 and is preparing to host the sixth ministerial conference on feminist foreign policy in 2027, a first initiative of its kind at the African and Arab levels.
The Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon, is a key event for political consultation among member states and governments. The conference brings together representatives to evaluate the implementation of commitments made at the 19th Summit, held in October 2024, and to prepare for the 20th Summit.
The conference agenda includes discussions on cooperation within the Francophone space, management, and programming of the organization, as well as the examination of draft declarations and decisions to be presented to leaders during the next summit. The 20th Summit is expected to take place under the theme "Reinvesting in Peace for a Common Prosperity and Sustainable Stability".
The Ministerial Conference is one of the three main bodies of the International Organization of La Francophonie, alongside the Summit and the Permanent Council. It ensures the continuity of the organization's political work, monitors the implementation of adopted decisions, and prepares for upcoming events and meetings.
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, also attended the conference. The organization brings together member states that share French as an official language or have a significant French-speaking population. Morocco has been an active member of the organization since 1981 and has contributed to various initiatives and programs.
The conference in Phnom Penh provided a platform for member states to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the Francophone space. It also offered an opportunity for Morocco to reaffirm its commitment to the organization and its principles, highlighting its contributions to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among member states.
Key points
- Morocco reaffirms commitment to International Organization of La Francophonie
- 20th Summit to focus on "Reinvesting in Peace for a Common Prosperity and Sustainable Stability"
- Morocco to host ministerial conferences on peacekeeping and feminist foreign policy
