Nigeria, Moroccan parliament strengthen legislative diplomacy at 152nd IPU Assembly

President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening parliamentary diplomacy with Morocco following a high-level bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, Turkey.

The meeting brought together senior parliamentarians from both countries and underscored what both delegations described as an enduring friendship and strategic partnership anchored on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.

Speaking during the engagement, Akpabio described Nigeria–Morocco relations as deeply rooted in shared history and collective aspirations for progress, noting that interactions between both nations transcend political tenures.

“Whether or not we have formal matters to discuss, meetings between Nigeria and Morocco are always significant. They represent the renewal of a bond of friendship that transcends our individual tenures in office,” he said.

The Senate President conveyed warm greetings to His Majesty, Mohammed VI, and commended the Kingdom for its stability, peaceful disposition, and developmental achievements. He described Morocco’s progress as exemplary, noting that its strides in infrastructure, economic diversification, and governance offer valuable lessons for other African nations.

Akpabio also reiterated a key message he delivered earlier at the IPU Assembly, emphasizing the need for fairness and respect for sovereignty in global affairs.

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“Might should not be right. When the sovereignty of nations is undermined, no nation is truly safe,” he stated, calling for justice and equity in international relations.

The Moroccan delegation, led by the Head of Parliament, Rachid Talbi Alami, welcomed the meeting as an opportunity to consolidate bilateral ties and elevate cooperation to a more ambitious level.

Alami highlighted the renewed momentum in Nigeria–Morocco relations, particularly following the Royal Visit to Nigeria in December 2016, which paved the way for significant strategic and economic collaborations between the two countries.

He stressed the importance of extending that growing partnership to the parliamentary sphere through sustained dialogue, legislative exchanges, and institutional cooperation.

“This meeting reflects our shared desire to deepen the strong relations that unite our two friendly countries and to elevate them to even greater heights,” he said.

Both delegations agreed that parliamentary diplomacy remains a vital instrument for strengthening mutual understanding, promoting regional integration, and advancing sustainable development across the African continent.

Despite a packed schedule of engagements at the IPU Assembly, the two sides underscored the significance of holding the bilateral meeting, describing it as a reaffirmation of their commitment to continued engagement and collaboration.

The discussions concluded with a mutual pledge to sustain high-level legislative interactions and explore additional areas of cooperation for the benefit of both nations and the broader African community.