Nigeria hails Morocco's role in Africa's development

Addis Ababa, Jan 25 (IANS/MAP) Nigeria on Thursday hailed Morocco for playing an important role in the development of the African continent.

"Morocco has a very important role in the areas of peace and security, trade promotion and infrastructure development in the continent," said Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama on the sidelines of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).

The Kingdom "has always been present in Africa, it is a very important country," he said.

In an address at the opening of the session on Thursday, AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat called on the executive board to mobilize to meet the priority objectives of the Organization's Agenda 2063, in particular that of financial independence.

Mahamat also addressed the issue of corruption, noting that this scourge has reached "alarming proportions".

At its 32nd session, the AU Executive Council will examine draft legal instruments and the draft agenda for the 30th ordinary session of the Summit of African heads of state and government.

It will also elect 10 members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for a two-year term. This election should mark one of the highlights of the 30th African summit, observers said.

--IANS/MAP

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