Rabat Hosts the First Forum for African Ambassadors to Support the Regional Office of The Hague Conference on Private International Law
On Tuesday, the first forum for African ambassadors was held in Rabat, as part of the ongoing preparations for the launch of the African Regional Office of The Hague Conference on Private International Law in Morocco. This initiative aims to enhance legal capacities across the continent and strengthen regional legal coordination.
The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the office’s nature, functions, and strategic objectives. It also served as an opportunity to explore potential cooperation aimed at benefiting African countries, particularly concerning the activation of Hague Conventions and facilitating legal engagement within the framework of private international law.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized in his speech that the establishment of the office in Morocco represents not only an institutional gain but also a fundamental pillar for enhancing judicial and legal cooperation among African countries and facilitating coordination among their central authorities. He noted that this infrastructure reflects a genuine African leadership in a complex area impacting cross-border personal and economic relations.
The minister explained that Morocco’s hosting of this office embodies commitments through which the Kingdom seeks to share its experience with African nations in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding of the growing challenges posed by contemporary legal connections. He pointed out that under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom has intensified efforts to ensure its commitment to the international dynamics aimed at institutionalizing legal and judicial cooperation, thereby enhancing legal security, contributing to transaction stability, and encouraging investments.
Ouahbi also noted that Morocco’s accumulated expertise in treaties, legislation, and institutional practices strengthens its position as a key player in the international dynamics led by The Hague Conference. Rashid Wazifi, Director of Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Justice and representative of the office, confirmed that the meeting provided an opportunity to introduce the regional office and its role in facilitating African countries’ accession to the conference and adopting its legal mechanisms. He highlighted that Morocco’s hosting of the office represents international recognition of its legal leadership and credibility in global legal circles.
For his part, The Hague Conference Secretary-General Christophe Bernasconi stated that the office in Morocco will contribute to disseminating legal knowledge within the continent and support African countries’ participation in agreements related to family law, child protection, international disputes, and financial and digital regulations.
Bernasconi described the office as a beneficial structure that will enhance Africa’s presence within the organization, praising its potential to broaden African participation in the conference’s activities.
The meeting witnessed the attendance of ambassadors from several African and Arab countries, in the context of efforts to develop cross-border legal cooperation and support Africa’s involvement in The Hague Conference on Private International Law.
