Cotonou hosts seventh african atlantic states ministerial meeting

The seventh ministerial session of the African Atlantic States Process (AASP) kicked off in Cotonou on Monday, co-chaired by Morocco and Benin. The gathering aims to reinforce the political momentum behind this African partnership, driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Atlantic African region.

A Moroccan delegation, led by Ambassador Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), joined the talks. The team includes Tarik Iziraren, Permanent Secretary of the AASP, Moroccan Ambassador to Benin Rachid Rguibi, and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad.

Strengthening cooperation across the Atlantic African space

The AASP aligns with King Mohammed VI’s strategy to transform the Atlantic African zone into a hub of shared development. Since its launch in Rabat in June 2022, the initiative has achieved key milestones, including the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Rabat, the formation of three thematic working groups, and the adoption of a joint action plan focused on political dialogue, maritime security, blue economy, connectivity, energy, and marine environmental protection.

Previous ministerial meetings—in Rabat, New York alongside the UN General Assembly, and Praia in May 2025—resulted in declarations and action plans to deepen ties among Atlantic African coastal states. Priorities include maritime security, sustainable fisheries, energy transition, and inclusive growth.

Cotonou meeting advances integration and co-development

The Cotonou session continues this momentum by fostering stronger coordination among member states to promote integration and co-development across the Atlantic African region.