Lower House Speaker Meets with Italian Parliamentary Delegation

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami held talks, Friday in Rabat, with a delegation of the Italian parliamentary intergroup supporting the autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara, on a working visit to the Kingdom. The talks focused on ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation relations between Morocco and Italy, and addressed several issues of common interest including immigration, renewable energy, and food security, a statement from the Lower House said.  On this occasion, Talbi Alami welcomed the initiative to create a parliamentary intergroup in support of the autonomy plan in the Moroccan Sahara. Italy supports the resolutions of the United Nations, he said, sharing his appreciation of the positive position of the Italian government on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. Italian parliamentarians are fully aware of the changes in the region, Talbi Alami observed, noting that “the stability of the northern Mediterranean countries is dependent on the stability of the southern Mediterranean countries.” “The construction of the future of Africa is undoubtedly through Morocco,” he added. For his part, Italian MP Marco Di Maio expressed, on behalf of the parliamentary delegation, his firm commitment to sustain relations between his country and Morocco and lay the foundations for solid cooperation between the two friendly countries, noting that this visit embodies the desire to support bilateral cooperation. Di Maio also confirmed the support of the delegation accompanying him to the changes and mutations that Morocco is experiencing, adding that this visit aims to strengthen political, economic, cultural, and security relations and promote the roles of parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries. On the Moroccan Sahara issue, the Italian MP stressed that the parliamentary intergroup sees that “the autonomy plan presented by Morocco is a serious, credible and realistic solution.” “We want this position and this conviction will be consolidated in other countries of the world and we will make efforts to achieve this,” he said. Di Maio added that the parliamentary intergroup supports the UN process and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara to achieve a political and mutually acceptable solution. The Italian parliamentarian praised Morocco’s role in the fight against international terrorism, stressing that cooperation between the two countries is enhanced by the contribution of the Moroccan community living in Italy, which plays a major economic role. Di Maio expressed his support for projects and investments beneficial to both countries and cooperation in the field of renewable energy and other areas. For their part, the members of the Italian parliamentary delegation expressed their appreciation for the accomplishments of the Kingdom in all areas, stressing the need to further strengthen the dialogue and joint action between Rome and Rabat to address all challenges, including those related to renewable energy, peace, the fight against terrorism and food security.