This meeting served as an opportunity to present a comprehensive vision of the new Office—its mission, strategic goals, and future cooperation perspectives—particularly regarding the promotion and implementation of Hague Conventions and the reinforcement of regional legal coordination in the field of private international law.
Strategic Legal Hub for Africa
Speaking on the occasion, Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized that beyond being a major institutional milestone, the establishment of the HCCH Regional Office in Morocco represents a strategic lever for enhancing cross-border legal and judicial cooperation among African countries. It also facilitates coordination between their central authorities and contributes to building African legal capacities in HCCH’s areas of expertise.
He underlined that the creation of this structure in Morocco is a concrete expression of African leadership in a complex legal field that directly affects personal, contractual, and economic relations, while fostering convergence between national and international legal systems.
Minister Ouahbi added that Morocco’s hosting of the HCCH Regional Office is part of a broader strategy of sharing expertise with African countries, grounded in cooperation and a deep understanding of the increasing complexity of legal ties among individuals and entities at both continental and global levels.
Royal Vision and International Commitment
Guided by the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has intensified its efforts to play an active role in the international drive to institutionalize legal and judicial cooperation, he noted.
“This commitment reflects a clear will to address cross-border challenges, uphold legal security, enhance transaction stability, boost trade and investment, and foster a safe, business-friendly environment,” the minister stated.
He also affirmed that Morocco’s accumulated experience in treaty practice, legislation, and legal institutions within the scope of private international law confirms its role as a key player in the global legal landscape shaped by the HCCH.
A Platform for African Legal Integration
In a press statement, Rachid Ouadifi, Director of Civil Affairs and Legal and Judicial Professions at the Ministry of Justice, and representative of the HCCH Office in Morocco, explained that this meeting was an opportunity to raise awareness about the Regional Office, which will support African States in joining the HCCH and assist them in adopting Hague legal instruments.
He emphasized that hosting this Office is a recognition of Morocco’s leadership in legal matters across Africa, as well as a testament to the credibility and trust Morocco enjoys from the international legal community.
For his part, HCCH Secretary General Christophe Bernasconi declared that the Regional Office in Morocco “will undoubtedly help disseminate information about the HCCH’s work across the African continent.” He expressed confidence that the Office would encourage African States to join the Organization and participate in conventions related to child protection, family law, international litigation, commercial and financial law, and digital matters.
Calling it a “highly useful structure,” Mr. Bernasconi praised its significant potential to increase visibility and relevance of the HCCH’s work among African authorities.
Toward Stronger Transnational Legal Cooperation
The event, attended by ambassadors of African and some Arab countries accredited to Morocco, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transnational civil and commercial legal cooperation and support the integration of African countries into the HCCH system.