RABAT, June 25 – Morocco has officially taken over the presidency of the Western Mediterranean Transport Ministers Group (GTMO 5+5), succeeding Malta at the close of the organisation’s 11th ministerial conference held in Rabat.
The country will lead the group for the 2026 to 2028 term, bringing together ten countries from both sides of the western Mediterranean to strengthen cooperation on transport, logistics and mobility.
Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said the new role is both an honour and a responsibility, describing Morocco as a natural link between Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean, adding that the country will use its presidency to deepen cooperation among member states and strengthen the group’s role as a platform for dialogue and joint action.
According to Kayouh, Morocco’s priorities will include developing a more integrated multimodal transport network across the western Mediterranean and advancing the Trans-Maghreb Multimodal Corridor to support trade and regional economic integration.
The country also plans to promote more resilient transport systems that can better respond to climate change, while pushing ahead with the sector’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. Other priorities include accelerating the digitalisation of transport infrastructure and mobility services, investing in skills development, and expanding partnerships with international organisations and financial institutions.
The conference brought together transport ministers, senior government officials and representatives of regional and international organisations. Participants highlighted Morocco’s progress in transport infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and regional logistics integration.
Morocco assumes the presidency as it continues to modernise its transport sector through investments aimed at improving logistics, expanding sustainable mobility and strengthening links between ports, railways, roads and industrial zones.
Member states also expressed confidence in Morocco’s ability to advance closer regional cooperation and support long-term economic integration across the western Mediterranean.
