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Morocco to assume presidency of Western Mediterranean Transport Ministers' Group in 2026
via Le Matin2 min read
Morocco is set to take over the presidency of the Western Mediterranean Transport Ministers' Group GTMO 5+5 from Malta. This transfer will occur during the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Group, which Morocco will host in Rabat on June 23 and 24, 2026. Established in 1995, the GTMO 5+5 promotes dialogue and cooperation in transport, strengthening the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. It includes ten member countries: Spain, France, Italy, Malta, and Portugal from the northern shore, and Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya from the southern shore. The Group also involves international organizations such as the Arab Maghreb Union UMA, the European Commission, the Union for the Mediterranean UpM, the International Transport Forum FIT, the Islamic Development Bank IDB, the European Investment Bank EIB, the International Union of Railways UIC, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UNECE. Morocco's National Company for the Study of the Strait of Gibraltar SNED and Spain's Company for Studies for a Fixed Link across the Strait of Gibraltar SECEGSA also participate. The Group's technical secretariat is provided by the Centre for Transport Studies for the Western Mediterranean CETMO. The GTMO 5+5 operates through biennial ministerial conferences with a rotating presidency between countries from both shores. These conferences monitor initiatives, examine cooperation prospects, and facilitate the presidency transfer. Each conference is preceded by an expert
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Morocco is entering a new phase of its National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan 2020-2029. The steering committee, chaired by Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tehraoui, met in Rabat to review the mid-term evaluation and set priorities for public action until 2029. This meeting is part of the national health system reform and the generalization of social protection. The ministry aims to consolidate achievements and adapt healthcare services to increasing demand, driven by an aging population and improved diagnostic capabilities. Amine Tehraoui highlighted progress over the past 15 years in cancer care. Public oncology centers now monitor over 110,000 patients annually, including nearly 24,000 new cases. Morocco also has 59 reproductive health reference centers crucial for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The minister emphasized that these advancements must lead to sustained improvement in care quality, focusing on reducing territorial disparities and strengthening equitable access to treatments. Encouraging results from the mid-term evaluation include a stronger network of specialized facilities, expanded oncology care, better access to innovative medicines, development of palliative care, and extended breast and cervical cancer screening programs. However, challenges remain, such as improving HPV vaccination coverage, preventing occupational and environmental cancers, and optimizing diagnostic and care pathways to international standards. Appro
Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions, and Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid attacking midfielder, have both spoken out following Morocco's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Hakimi posted on Instagram, stating that "great nations are not defined by a defeat, but by all that they build. Morocco continues to write its history. And the best is yet to come." He played in all six tournament matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists, and was noted for his influence in the game. Diaz also addressed Moroccan supporters, acknowledging the disappointment but promising a stronger return. He said, "A few days ago, our World Cup journey ended. We leave with a feeling of sadness, but the path will not stop there. We will come back stronger and more determined for our homeland." Diaz thanked the Moroccan public for their unlimited support throughout the competition. Despite the disappointment, the team, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, leaves the United States confident in their standing among the world's top teams and ambitious for future competitions.
Morocco and France have signed a Technical Arrangement and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the defense industry. This development follows a visit aimed at consolidating and diversifying bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Officials from both countries praised the strong friendship and high level of military cooperation, which has gained new momentum since the signing of the Declaration on the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership by His Majesty the King and the President of the French Republic during a state visit to Morocco in October 2024. Discussions also covered bilateral and regional issues, as well as methods to strengthen and diversify military cooperation. Both parties expressed a shared ambition to solidify these relations through the implementation of the newly signed legal instruments in the defense industry, reflecting the friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.