OIC Secretary General Welcomes Return of Morocco to African Union

The King of Morocco addresses the African Union for the first time in 34 years (Anadolu).

Jeddah, 04 Jumadil Awwal 1438/01 February 2017 (MINA) – OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen has welcomed the admission of the Kingdom of Morocco on 30th January 2017, as a member of the African Union (AU).

Dr. Al-Othaimeen who congratulated Morocco for its return to the continental body also commended the 28th Session of the of the AU holding in Addis Ababa, for the wise decision which will enable Morocco play its rightful role within a united African continent, SPA reported.

The Secretary General expressed the hope that the return of Morocco in the AU family, would further enhance African voice and weight at the international level and would facilitate the resolution of critical challenges facing the continent.

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Morocco quit the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1984 after the bloc admitted the former Western Sahara as a separate member.

Morocco maintains that the territory under its control – which is home to large reserves of phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilisers, as well as rich fish stocks off its coast – is an integral part of the kingdom. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)