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Morocco, AU Inaugurate African Migration Observatory in Rabat

The inauguration ceremony of the African Migration Observatory in Rabat. - Asharq Al-Awsat
The inauguration ceremony of the African Migration Observatory in Rabat. - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Morocco, AU Inaugurate African Migration Observatory in Rabat

The inauguration ceremony of the African Migration Observatory in Rabat. - Asharq Al-Awsat
The inauguration ceremony of the African Migration Observatory in Rabat. - Asharq Al-Awsat

Morocco and the African Union (AU) inaugurated on Friday the African Migration Observatory in Rabat.

The inauguration ceremony was co-chaired by Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Amira El Fadil.

This came upon the proposal of King Mohammed VI, in his capacity as the AU leader on the issue of migration, which was endorsed by African heads of State at the 31st AU Summit held in Nouakchott in July 2018.

Bourita stressed that the Observatory in Rabat enjoys an important strategic dimension.

The Observatory will provide Africa with specific data able to help make decisions, establish migration strategies and give a clear vision on African migration while dispelling the myths surrounding this issue, he indicated.

Bourita also noted that the Observatory will allow Africa to be in a position of strength as an interlocutor with other partners who often put Africa on the defensive in relation to migration issues.

His remarks were made during a press briefing with Fadil after the inauguration ceremony.

For her part, the AU official welcomed the inauguration of the institution, noting that it's the first migration observatory in Africa.

“Today is indeed a historic and momentous occasion in Africa. Historic in that the African Migration Observatory becomes the first-ever such continental institution in Africa, and momentous in that it marks the beginning of our efforts towards generating data that is balanced and relevant to the needs of Africa in the field of migration."

Fadil said the observatory will focus mainly on the intra-continental migration and intercontinental migration.

“The bulk of migration in Africa is intra-continental, and there is evidence to support the notion that well-managed migration can benefit the socio-economic development of nations — both migrant-sending and receiving countries,” she noted.

“It is also imperative that as Africans engage with other regions on issues of migration, they do so from a position of knowledge, fact, and evidence. And the observatory will provide the continent with that.”

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Arab World

Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
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Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)

Iran and Iraq have acknowledged Syria as a shared concern and called for preserving its territorial integrity and working together to establish security and stability in the country.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “preserve and strengthen the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF),” describing the presence of US forces in Iraq as “illegal and contrary to the interests of the Iraqi people and government.”

During his meeting with Sudani, Khamenei said: “The indicators suggest that the Americans are seeking to solidify and expand their presence in Iraq, and this occupation must be firmly opposed.”

He further emphasized the importance of “unity and harmony among Iraq’s diverse sectarian and ethnic groups.”

Khamenei’s remarks came as he held discussions with Sudani on regional developments, including the situation in Syria and the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

According to Khamenei’s official website, Sudani expressed satisfaction with the talks in Tehran and hoped that the “negotiations and agreements signed would enhance and deepen the relationship between the two nations.”

He reiterated Iraq’s consistent stance of supporting “the will of the Syrian people, safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity, and working towards forming an inclusive government.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Sudani met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

to discuss regional developments and to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

In a joint press conference, Pezeshkian described Iraq as a key partner for Iran, stating: “We are pleased that relations between the two countries are at their highest levels, with cooperation expanding day by day.”

“Iran constantly strives for peace, stability, and development in the region. The security, growth, and welfare of the Iraqi people are of great importance to Iran,” he added.

The Iranian president noted that the two nations share concerns regarding Syria, including its stability, territorial unity, combating terrorist groups, the removal of Israeli influence from occupied areas, and the protection of Shiite religious sites.

He stressed that the resurgence of terrorism and the reactivation of terrorist cells remain a shared threat, making collaboration and vigilance between Iraq and Iran more crucial than ever.

During his visit, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s respect for “the will of the Syrian people” and its support for “any political or constitutional system they choose without foreign interference.”

He also expressed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate with all parties to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria that reflects the people’s aspirations.

Sudani landed in Tehran on Wednesday for an official one-day visit. Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran, he was received by Iranian Minister of Economy Abdolnasser Hemmati.