Cotonou hosts seventh ministerial meeting of african atlantic states process

Morocco’s delegation, led by Ambassador Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), included key figures such as Tarik Iziraren, Permanent Secretary of the AASP, Rachid Rguibi, Morocco’s Ambassador to Bénin, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Residents Abroad.

The AASP aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision to transform the African Atlantic space into a region of shared peace, stability, and prosperity.

Since its inception in Rabat in June 2022, the process has achieved key milestones, including the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Rabat, the formation of three thematic working groups, and the adoption of a joint action program focused on political dialogue, maritime security, blue economy, connectivity, energy, and marine environmental protection.

Successive ministerial meetings—held in Rabat, New York alongside UN General Assembly sessions, and Praia in May 2025—have resulted in strategic declarations and action plans to strengthen cooperation among Atlantic-facing African nations. These efforts target maritime security, sustainable fisheries management, energy transition, and inclusive development.

The Cotonou session is designed to further consolidate coordination among member states, fostering integration and co-development across the African Atlantic region.