Outgoing secretary general of Maghreb union awarded Moroccan distinction

Outgoing secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Mohamed Amamou (Tunisia), was awarded in Rabat Wednesday by Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, with the Alaouite Wissam, Grand Officer Order, at the end of his mission at the head of the Rabat-based UMA secretariat general.

The distinction was granted to Amamou by King Mohammed VI in recognition of the tireless efforts he made for nearly 10 years as secretary general of the UMA, set up in 1989, to push forward the Maghreban construction.

During the ceremony, Benaissa conveyed to Amamou the sovereign's esteem and consideration and Morocco's gratefulness for his endeavors to energize the regional grouping Union.

Amamou who said he was honored by this royal distinction underscored the strong and permanent backing Morocco has always extended to the UMA secretariat general.

He added that Maghreban states are all showing determination to carry on the edification of a regional grouping, favoring peace, security and development. The UMA is a civilizational and strategic project, likely to enable the states of the region access development, he said adding that these states need to take up several challenges in this juncture of deep changes and the setting up of large economic regional groupings.

Amamou was replaced by another Tunisian Lahbib Boulares who took up his office this month in Rabat.

Boulares, a former minister of defense, of foreign affairs, of information and culture, and a former speaker of the Tunisian parliament, was named to the position at a proposal by the Tunisian President. The Other Maghreban leaders endorsed the proposal.

Boulares was named in his new position last January in Algiers during the 19th session of the council of foreign ministers of the UMA member countries.

Boulares, a writer and former journalist, voiced determination to work for Maghreban unity that he described as imperative.