Abidjan – In a notable political atmosphere accompanying the inauguration of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for a new term, the enhancement of the rule of law emerged as the central theme during a four-way meeting involving the parliamentary leaders of Morocco, France, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They emphasized that upholding democracy has become an urgent necessity in a world facing increasing challenges.
The meeting, held in Abidjan, brought together Rachid Talbi Alami, President of the House of Representatives, Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, Adama Bictogo, President of the Ivorian National Assembly, and Émile Bongou Sangara, President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The participants agreed that building a stable future relies on establishing the rule of law, safeguarding institutions, and respecting national sovereignty, principles they deemed non-negotiable.
During the discussions, there was broad consensus on the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in opening channels of communication and expanding areas of understanding among countries, particularly at a time that demands greater cooperation to tackle common issues. In this context, the attendees noted that parliamentary work can aid peace and stability efforts and contribute to economic recovery through legislation that aligns more closely with development needs.
The talks also touched upon other topics gaining increasing prominence on international agendas, including renewable energy, climate change, water scarcity management, artificial intelligence, and the digitization of parliamentary work. The participants considered the exchange of experiences in these areas as a gateway to new cooperation models that meet their countries’ needs and respond to their communities’ aspirations.
In a statement following the meeting, Rachid Talbi Alami expressed pride in representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the inauguration of the Ivorian president, describing the event as a “momentous occasion reflecting the strength of the democratic choice in Côte d’Ivoire,” at a time when democratic experiences are facing rapid challenges in various regions of the world.
The Moroccan official praised the Ivorian experience, affirming that the recent elections represented a mature democratic milestone “where institutions had their say, and the people confirmed their choice.” He also highlighted the rapid pace of development in the country, pointing to infrastructure projects as “evidence of a clear desire to move towards a more prosperous future.”
In conclusion, Talbi Alami reminded attendees of the strength of Moroccan-Ivorian relations, characterizing them as “a model of African cooperation,” and noted the profound impact of royal visits to Abidjan in cementing a strategic partnership between the two countries, propelling it towards broader horizons.
