The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, has harped on the need to boost trade relations between West African nations and Morocco to boost economic growth.

Mr Tunis spoke while addressing the Moroccan House of Councillors at the opening of the sixth international parliamentary forum on social justice, in Rabat, Morocco.

A statement issued by the communications department of the ECOWAS Parliament on Tuesday quoted Mr Tunis as saying that the trade relations between Morocco and West Africa were currently low.

“We equally acknowledge the low level of trade with ECOWAS countries, the barriers to the free movement of peoples and the weak dynamism of our partnership,” he said.

Mr Tunis also harped on the need for alliances to be forged between sub-regional blocs and among all African countries to foster development, prosperity and peace building.

This, he explained, will enable the African continent to take its pride of place among other continents.

“We are hopeful that sooner than later, an equilibrium relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and ECOWAS will be established, thereby paving the way for strengthened economic, political and investment ties.

“We hold the view that if we want a continent that is fair and prosperous; a region in which the uncommon dreams of all will have a fair chance of realisation; a region where the weak can become strong.

“Then the leaders of today must rise up to these challenges and work assiduously towards promoting genuine and durable collaboration,” Mr Tunis stated

(NAN)