The seventh ministerial meeting of the Atlantic African States Process (PEAA) kicked off this Monday in Cotonou, with the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Benin jointly leading the proceedings. The gathering aims to deepen collaboration among African nations bordering the Atlantic Ocean while advancing regional integration, in line with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for a shared future of peace, stability, and prosperity across the African Atlantic space.

Moroccan delegation highlights regional cooperation priorities

The Moroccan delegation, led by Mohamed Methqal, Ambassador and Director-General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), includes Tarik Iziraren, Permanent Secretary of the PEAA, Rachid Rguibi, Morocco’s Ambassador to Benin, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad.

PEAA’s milestones and thematic focus areas

Since its inception in Rabat in June 2022, the PEAA has achieved significant progress, including the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Rabat, the creation of thematic working groups, and the adoption of an action plan centered on political dialogue, maritime security, blue economy, connectivity, energy transition, and marine environmental protection.

Following meetings in Rabat, New York, and Praia, the Cotonou session represents another step forward in strengthening coordination among member states to foster sustainable development, improved maritime governance, and mutually beneficial co-development across Africa’s Atlantic coast.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst