Franco-Moroccan Parliamentary Forum stresses the need of partnership to fight against terrorism

Paris- Participants in the 2nd Franco-Moroccan Parliamentary Forum, held in Paris on Thursday, stressed the need to intensify the partnership to fight against terrorism and develop a comprehensive approach against this phenomenon.

In a final declaration adopted at the end of the work of this forum, Moroccan and French parliamentarians noted that France and Morocco share a tradition of openness that condemns all forms of radicalization and extremism, adding that the two countries take resolute policy against terrorist actions.

“Security cooperation between our two countries to dismantle terrorist networks is a priority,” noted parliamentarians, welcoming the restoration of the Moroccan-French judicial cooperation, “whose contribution is essential to meet the security challenges.”

“France has been sensitive to Morocco’s message of solidarity following the January 2015 bombings in Paris and supports Moroccan strategy to promote religious tolerance, ensure social development in parallel with economic development and strengthen security” , added the participants who said that the training of imams is one of the keys to effectively fight against abuses.

The parliamentarians also joined together to condemn the attack in Tunis on 18 March and express solidarity with the Tunisian people and all the families and relatives of the victims.

Furthermore, the Forum participants shared their concerns about the rising insecurity in the Sahel and Central Africa, unreservedly condemning the terrorist acts of the Boko Haram sect.

They also called for a genuine national reconciliation in Mali on the basis of an inclusive dialogue reflecting the expectations of all the Malian people as part of the unity and territorial integrity of Mali.

Representatives of both Moroccan and French parliaments have also expressed concern about the situation in Libya, noting the urgency for a “political solution within the framework of the dialogue launched by the United Nations, allowing stabilization of country, preserving its territorial integrity and contributing to improved security in the entire region. ”

The participants at this forum, in this sense, gave their full support to inter-Libyan dialogue, including the most recent meeting was held in Morocco.

On the other hand, the final declaration reiterated the commitment of Moroccan and French parliamentarians in the stability and development of the African continent, calling for concrete actions to ensure the security and prosperity of the continent.

“This is not only to combat terrorism but also to meet a requirement of human dignity by allowing hundreds of millions of people access to decent living conditions,” highlighted the participants.

The forum also emphasized the importance of sub-Saharan Africa, and more generally the French-speaking Africa, which represent opportunities for partnerships between France and Morocco.

“In a globalized economy, with the intensification of relations between countries of the South, it is in the interests of French and Moroccan companies to jointly meet the needs of African markets, be it energy supply , management of water, sanitation, transport and food security, “said the participants.

Representatives of the two parliaments have also underlined “the vitality of relations between Paris and Rabat in cultural and academic fields, guaranteeing a better mutual understanding.”

They recalled, in this regard, the importance of the Moroccan community living in France and that of the French community in Morocco, considering more than ever, that “the Franco-Moroccan partnership should reflect the friendship between the two peoples” .