Council of Europe: Morocco unanimously re-elected to the Vice-Presidency of the North-South Centre

Morocco was unanimously re-elected to the vice-presidency of the Executive Committee of the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre during the meeting held on 19 May in Lisbon. The Kingdom was represented by Soumia Bouhamidi, Consul General of Morocco in Strasbourg and responsible for relations with the Council of Europe.

This re-election constitutes recognition of Morocco’s consistent commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and international solidarity. It reinforces the active and constructive role the Kingdom plays within the North-South Centre, as well as its contribution to promoting the values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and intercultural dialogue, in line with the priorities of the Council of Europe.

It also illustrates the credibility of Moroccan diplomacy under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly in the areas of North–South partnership, triangular cooperation, and rapprochement between regions and cultures.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms Bouhamidi emphasised the need for collective action in the face of global challenges, noting that no major challenge — whether conflict prevention, the protection of civilians, particularly children, or the fight against disinformation — can be addressed in isolation. She called for strengthening multilateralism based on respect for international law.

A new dynamic within the Centre

This meeting was also marked by the unanimous election of Andorra to the presidency of the Executive Committee, represented by its ambassador Andreu Jordi, whose vision is rooted in a legacy of peace, mediation, and intercultural dialogue. Morocco is supporting this new institutional dynamic from its position as vice-president.

The meeting preceded the award ceremony of the 31st edition of the Council of Europe’s North-South Prize, organised at the Portuguese Parliament. The award was presented to Icelandic child rights expert Bragi Gudbrandsson and Palestinian journalist Rami Abou Jamous, in recognition of their commitment to human rights, democracy, and North–South solidarity.

Through this new mandate, Morocco reaffirms its determination to continue its work within the Executive Committee in close consultation with its partners, in order to promote inclusive governance based on dialogue and mutual respect, and to strengthen an open and supportive multilateral system in the service of peace, stability, and sustainable development.