The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the basis of the strategic importance of and the interconnections between the Euro-Mediterranean region and the African continent as geopolitical areas for stability, security, democracy, harmonious economic, cultural and social development, as well as the peaceful cohabitation of their peoples.
The Memorandum was signed during the opening ceremony of the PAM 11th Plenary Session in Porto, Portugal, on 23 February 2017, by Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang, PAP President, and H.E. Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, PAM President. The two Presidents conceived the idea of the agreement on reinforced cooperation on the occasion of the COP 22 conference last September.
Hon. Dang, in a brief address, recalled the common challenges facing the Mediterranean and the African countries, such as Climate change and youth migration. Hon. Dang called for a more humane approach and solutions while underlining that the Mediterranean is an important bridge towards Europe.
PAM President, Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh referred to the benefits of parliamentary cooperation based on the principles of respect of human rights and freedoms, social justice, the promotion of democracy, and the supremacy of law with regards to the interests of all States and peoples.
Priority objectives of both Assemblies are aimed at guaranteeing the security of their peoples, and furthering cultural, economic, political, religious and social integration, based on the principles of rule of law and, at the same time, promoting respect for human rights. Sen. Lmarbouh concluded by recalling the strategic importance of PAM and PAP as independent and equitable international organizations.//
