The 7th ministerial meeting of the Process of African Atlantic States (PAAS), co-organized by Morocco and Benin, concluded Monday in Cotonou on a note of satisfaction. Over two days, 23 Atlantic coastal states pursued a common goal: strengthening maritime security, developing green logistics corridors, and promoting sustainable energy.

Togo was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, alongside counterparts from across the continent.

Created in June 2022 at the initiative of King Mohammed VI, the PAAS aims to make Atlantic-facing countries knowledgeable actors in global maritime governance, recalled Mohamed Methqual, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, during the opening ceremony.

His message: maritime security must become the priority undertaking. He called for enhanced intelligence sharing and greater cooperation against piracy, illicit trafficking, cross-border crime, and cyber threats targeting port infrastructure. He also called for the development of modern, interconnected ports, while respecting the environment, to better integrate Africa into global value chains.

An ambitious but realistic project, firmly focused on shared development, peace, and security. Robert Dussey welcomed these objectives and reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to strengthened regional cooperation.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, the participating states adopted the “Cotonou Declaration.” Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, expressed satisfaction at seeing Africa tackle its challenges head-on, noting that the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives the PAAS its full meaning, particularly for hinterland countries through corridors connecting ports to inland territories.