COTONOU, July 15 — Senior officials from African countries along the Atlantic coast on Monday adopted the Cotonou Declaration at the seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Process of African Atlantic States, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.
Co-organized by Benin and Morocco, the meeting was held in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, under the theme “Consolidating an Integrated African Atlantic Space: Maritime Security, Green Logistics Corridors and Sustainable Energy Transition.” The declaration underscores the participating countries’ shared commitment to building an integrated, peaceful and prosperous African Atlantic space, while calling for enhanced cooperation in maritime security, economic integration, the development of green logistics corridors and the promotion of a sustainable energy transition for the benefit of African populations. Opening the meeting, Beninese Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet said the security, economic, climate and energy challenges facing the region require a collective response. She reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation based on solidarity, consultation and mutually beneficial partnerships. Mohamed Methqal, director general of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, said Morocco remains committed to supporting member states in implementing priority projects, particularly in maritime security, green logistics corridors, economic integration and energy transition. Launched in Rabat, Morocco, in 2022, the Process of African Atlantic States serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Xinhua
