The Kingdom of Morocco hosts on February 7-10, 2009 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the 17th Session of the Executive Council  of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), in concordance to  the last Council meeting decision  (Cotonou, June 15-16, 2008).

The 17th Session, in which the Foreign Ministers of 28 member States participate, will be the occasion to adopt recommendations which are likely to further promote the existing cooperation between Member States and to review the activities report of the General Secretary of CEN-SAD. This session will also provide an opportunity to discuss various political and security issues facing the Community as well as to examine in depth the process of implementation of the mechanism of CEN-SAD conflicts’ prevention, management and settlement.

By hosting this important meeting, Morocco reveals its strong and a sincere commitment, under the orientations of His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him, and who hasn’t ceased to call for intensified actions by strengthening the priority of intra-African cooperation, as a part of an enlightened vision and a rational South-South cooperation.

The Kingdom of Morocco, aware of the need for the creation of a unified African space, is paying a special attention to the concerns of African peoples, strengthening the cohesion between African countries and consolidating their ties. In this regard, the Kingdom of Morocco is contributing positively to the security and the stability of member States of CEN-SAD, calling to end, by peaceful means and through the political dialogue, local tensions, in a strict respect of the national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of States Community.

The 17th Session of the Executive Council of CEN-SAD is a special opportunity to discuss issues of Community concerns, particularly since the Ministers of member States, in charge of Economy, Finance, Planning, Interior and Security, are also invited to contribute in this meeting, which is of a particular importance for the Community.