Latest news with #Euro-Mediterranean
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt assumes presidency of Union for Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly - Foreign Affairs
Egypt has taken over the presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), succeeding Spain. The handover was formalised during the Assembly's 18th Plenary Session, held on Thursday in Spain. Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, Mohamed Abou El-Enein, was unanimously elected as PA-UfM President with the support of 43 parliamentary leaders across the Mediterranean. He succeeds Spanish Parliament President Francina Armengol. Egypt's regional priorities In his address, Abou El-Enein presented Egypt's strategic vision for addressing ongoing crises in the Mediterranean. He praised the Assembly's efforts to advance regional development and integration. Still, he warned that instability—particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza—continues to threaten cooperation among member states. Describing Israel's war on Gaza as 'brutal aggression' amounting to genocide, Abou El-Enein accused Israel of seeking to expand regional conflict and obstruct diplomatic efforts. He reiterated Egypt's rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians. He underscored President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's stance in support of a two-state solution. 'A just and lasting peace in the Middle East is a prerequisite for genuine regional cooperation,' he said, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also commended President El-Sisi's handling of tensions involving Israel and Iran, positioning Egypt as a stabilizing force in the region. Assembly members echo support Several members of the Assembly echoed Egypt's concerns, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and calling for accountability. They voiced support for Egypt's opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. They backed the two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace. Egypt's role in the PA-UfM Abou El-Enein stressed that Egypt's diplomatic approach—both parliamentary and governmental—prioritizes dialogue and cooperation. He noted that Egypt is assuming the presidency during a critical period for the Euro-Mediterranean region, which is facing mounting challenges to both security and development. He thanked the Spanish Parliament for its leadership during its term and reaffirmed Egypt's longstanding commitment to the PA-UfM. He described the Assembly as a crucial platform for dialogue and coordination among Mediterranean countries. Parliamentary leaders also praised Egypt's early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza. They expressed confidence in El-Sisi's leadership in promoting regional stability. Upcoming UfM events in Egypt According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), Egypt will host a preparatory meeting of the PA-UfM Bureau in Sharm El-Sheikh from 11–14 September. An international conference on political and economic issues in the Mediterranean is also scheduled for 28–30 November. The PA-UfM serves as a regional platform for fostering political dialogue and cooperation among countries bordering the Mediterranean through parliamentary diplomacy. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Two-State solution key to Israeli-Palestinian peace, says Morocco's Parliament Speaker at PA-UfM Summit
The two-state solution remains the only viable political path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving a just and lasting peace in the region, said Rachid Talbi El Alami, President of the House of Representatives, on Thursday in Malaga. Speaking at the 9th Summit of Parliamentary Speakers of the Union for the Mediterranean Assembly (PA-UfM), Talbi El Alami emphasized that the two-state solution is key to countering extremism and fostering coexistence, cooperation, shared development, and the mobilization of the region's resources toward prosperity, progress, and human dignity. He underscored that resolving the region's challenges requires, above all, an immediate end to the war in Gaza, an urgent priority consistently highlighted by King Mohammed VI, in his capacity as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. Talbi El Alami warned that the region will remain mired in violence, fanaticism, extremism, and instability as long as the Palestinian people—under the leadership of their internationally recognized institutions—are denied their legitimate right to independence and the establishment of a sovereign national state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international legal resolutions. He stressed the urgent need for a solution, given the scale of the challenges, stakes, and crises affecting the Euro-Mediterranean region, which continues to face growing uncertainties and serious risks. «After believing the world had entered a new era of coexistence, moving beyond the Cold War and bipolarity—and that our Mediterranean region was on the verge of a historic peace with the Madrid Conference and the Oslo Accords, the logic of war and the cycle of violence and counter-violence have, regrettably, returned», he lamented.
Ya Biladi
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan historian Bahija Simou honored with Italian Order of Merit for cultural contributions
The director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the insignia of Commander of the Order of Merit of Italy for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and the Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. These insignia were presented to her by the Italian ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President of the Republic, during the celebration of his country's national day. According to Armando Barucco, this high distinction, of which only ten are awarded each year, pays tribute to «a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the enhancement of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy». An internationally recognized historian, Bahija Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on the political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, illustrated by numerous reference publications. She is also a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian Leonardo MedOr Foundation and plays a central role in Euro-Mediterranean academic meetings, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, Bahija Simou expressed her deep gratitude to the Italian authorities, praising «the honor and strong symbolism» of this distinction. She emphasized that her research on Italy highlights «the geopolitical importance of Morocco and Italy in the Euro-Mediterranean space». She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance towards Italy, which became, after independence, one of the kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by Mohammed V. Bahija Simou was keen to remind that this distinction «not only crowns a personal journey but also consecrates a commitment to a living, inclusive history that refuses to forget and values memories long kept in the shadows».
Maroc
04-06-2025
- General
- Maroc
Italy Honors Royal Archives' Head for Promoting Morocco-Italy Cultural Dialogue
The Director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. The insignia were presented to Simou by the Italy's Ambassador to Morocco Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President, on the occasion of Italy's National Day celebration. According to Barucco, this prestigious award—of which only ten are awarded each year—pays tribute to a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the promotion of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as to the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy. An internationally recognized historian, Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, as evidenced by numerous landmark publications. As a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian foundation Leonardo MedOr, Simou plays a key role in Euro-Mediterranean academic forums, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, she praised "the strong symbolism" of this award, emphasizing that her research on Italy highlights "the geopolitical importance of both Morocco and Italy within the Euro-Mediterranean space." She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance toward Italy, which, following Morocco's independence, became one of the Kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by the late His Majesty Mohammed V. Simou noted that this award "does not only crown a personal journey, but also affirms a commitment to a living, inclusive history—one that resists oblivion and brings to light memories long kept in the shadows." (MAP: 04 June 2025)
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Director of Royal Archives Bahija Simou Awarded Italy's Order of Merit
Rabat – Bahija Simou, the Director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in recognition of her efforts of promoting cultural heritage and deepening historical ties between Morocco and Italy. The award, one of only ten presented each year, was bestowed upon Simou by Italian Ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic. The ceremony took place during Italy's National Day celebration, exemplifying the enduring bonds between the two nations. Ambassador Barucco highlighted the significance of the honor, describing it as a tribute to Simou's 'remarkable and exceptional contribution' to safeguarding Moroccan historical heritage and advancing scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy. In her remarks, Simou described the award as deeply symbolic, affirming that her research underscores 'the geopolitical importance of both Morocco and Italy within the Euro-Mediterranean space.' The renowned historian also reflected on the deep-rooted ties between Morocco and Italy, tracing their relationship back to the 12th century. She noted that after Italian unification, Morocco was quick to extend a hand of friendship to the new republic. In the post-independence era, Italy became one of Morocco's earliest and most committed economic partners — a bond symbolized by Italy being the first European country visited by the late King Mohammed V. Simou emphasized that the award 'does not only crown a personal journey, but also affirms a commitment to a living, inclusive history — one that resists oblivion and brings to light memories long kept in the shadows.' Simou's recognition by Italy crowns a decades-long career dedicated to preserving Morocco's historical legacy and strengthening its international cultural ties. Born in 1958 in the culturally rich Aït Aâtab with,in the Azilal Province of central Morocco, she has emerged as one of the country's foremost historians, with a particular focus on military archives and diplomatic relations across the Euro-Mediterranean region. As director of the royal archives, Simou has led groundbreaking research uncovering overlooked chapters of Moroccan history — including the country's involvement in global events like the Korean War — and has championed the importance of collective memory in shaping national identity. Her efforts have not only reinforced Morocco's archival diplomacy, with successful partnerships across Europe, but have also earned her global recognition. In 2017, she was awarded France's Legion of Honor. Now, with the Italian Order of Merit, her work stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical scholarship in building bridges between nations and generations.
