The Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE, led by His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, is participating in the fourth session of the Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, scheduled from June 19 to 20, 2026, at the Conference Palace in Marrakech. This significant event is hosted by the Moroccan House of Councillors in partnership with the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Forum Sessions and Objectives
The forum will kick off with a high-level opening session, featuring the attendance of parliamentary leaders and representatives from regional and international parliamentary unions, alongside various ministers, officials, experts, and representatives of international financial institutions. The agenda includes several main sessions that will address global challenges related to economic integration, free trade, public debt, and the stimulation of investment in artificial intelligence. An important focus will be creating a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf hub for AI. Additionally, there will be a dedicated session for Africa titled "The African Continental Free Trade Area and Linking Euro-African Value Chains: Towards an Integrated Space for Joint Production, Investment, and Economic Resilience."
Furthermore, discussions will delve into enhancing job creation through the blue economy, the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups as drivers of innovation and youth employment, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change on food security. The forum aims to foster parliamentary dialogue on shared economic and developmental issues, explore ways to support economic and trade integration among countries in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, and seek avenues for collaboration with the African continent.
Agreement Signings and Delegation
During the forum, several agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed, including a memorandum between the Moroccan House of Councillors and the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as a memorandum between the Association of African Senates and the Mediterranean Parliament to enhance Euro-Mediterranean-African parliamentary cooperation. The FNC delegation participating in the forum includes members Saeed Rashid Al Abdi, Aisha Rashid Al Laytiem, Dr. Ahmed Eid Al Mansoori, Salem Hamad Al Ameri, Hashima Yasser Al Afari, and Sultan Salem Al Zaabi, alongside Tarek Ahmed Al Marzouqi, the Assistant Secretary-General for Council Affairs.
As reported by albayan.ae.
