Moroccan journalist stresses AU-return benefits

Morocco's return to the African Union (AU) came to underline the counry's deep vision based on the importance of African unity and to reflect the strong presence on the African level.

Moroccan journalist Mohamed Abu Yahda praised, during an interview with "Arabs Today", the increasing efforts exerted by the government to restore membership in the African Union. He signaled to the diplomatic approach adopted by Moroccan King Mohamed V who conducted increasing visits to the African States to gain their support for his quest.

The king, the Moroccan journalist added, was keen to change the negative image promoted by a number of African states against his country due to the current conflict over the Moroccan desert through underlining his aspiration to increase cooperation with them.

He concluded a number of agreements with the African countries during the recent years to support cooperation on economy and other fields, saying that the country restored its seat in the African Union by the force of law, as 39 African states approved its request during the recent summit held in Addis Ababa.

He added that there are major challenges facing the Moroccan diplomatic team inside the African Union during the coming period, including the defense of its right in the desert.

Previously, he continued, the critical issue was discussed inside the organization in the absence of Morocco, while the position will change after return, as the Moroccan diplomatic team will attend future discussions and will defend its position from the issue.

He stressed that the country will also seize the opportunity to expand cooperation with the African countries despite the opposition of a number of states to the Moroccan position based on keeping the territorial integrity of the country.

He added that the Moroccan strategy views the other members of African Union as partners not enemies, stressing the need for increasing cooperation with them on political, economic, social, and religious level.