The Government of Japan welcomes the decision by the African Union (AU) Summit held on January 30 (local time) on the admission of Morocco to the AU at the 28th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Morocco is an important partner for the stability and prosperity of Africa, including TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) process. The Government of Japan will continue to work in collaboration both with AU and Morocco.

(Note 1) The African Union
The world's largest regional organization, with a membership of 55 African countries and regions. Formed in July 2002 by the reorganization of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU; established in May 1963) in order to strengthen efforts to achieve greater political and economic integration in Africa, and prevent and resolve conflict in Africa. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The AU Commission is its secretariat. The AU Commission has been one of the co-organizers of TICAD since 2010.

(Note 2) Marocco and OAU
Morocco disaffiliated the OAU, for which Morocco is one of the one of the funding members, in 1985.

(Note 3) Participation of Morocco in TICAD
Morocco has participated in TICAD since TICAD I. TICAD IV Ministerial Follow.