Saqr Ghobash Heads National Council Delegation at Marrakech Parliamentary Forum
In a significant diplomatic move, Saqr Ghobash, the Chairman of the Federal National Council, is set to lead a delegation to the fourth session of the "Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region". This esteemed event is being held under the auspices of King Mohammed VI of Morocco from June 19 to 20, 2026, at the Conference Palace in Marrakech. The hosting of this forum is in collaboration with the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The delegation from the UAE includes notable members such as Saeed Al Abadi, Aisha Al Yateem, Dr. Ahmed Al Mansouri, Salem Al Amri, Hashima Al Afari, Sultan Al Zaabi, and Tarek Al Marzouqi, who serves as the assistant secretary-general for council presidency affairs.
The primary aim of the forum is to foster parliamentary dialogue on economic and developmental issues of mutual interest. It seeks to explore ways to support economic and trade integration among countries in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, as well as to investigate avenues for collaboration with the African continent.
The forum will commence with a high-level opening session featuring the participation of parliamentary leaders and representatives from regional and international parliamentary unions, alongside various ministers, officials, experts, and representatives from international financial institutions.
The agenda will include multiple sessions that address pressing topics such as "Global Challenges Facing Economic Integration and Free Trade," "Stimulating Investment in Artificial Intelligence," and the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf hub for artificial intelligence. Additionally, a session dedicated to Africa will focus on the "African Continental Free Trade Area and Linking Euro-African Value Chains," aiming to create an integrated space for joint production, investment, and economic resilience.
Moreover, discussions will encompass the enhancement of job creation through the blue economy, the role of small and medium enterprises and startups as drivers of innovation and youth employment, and the impact of climate change on food security.
A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the forum, including a memorandum between the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as a memorandum between the Association of African Senates and the Mediterranean Parliament aimed at strengthening Euro-Mediterranean-African parliamentary cooperation.
As reported by alkhaleej.ae.
