Mr. Nothomb, as a vice president of the European Movement International, went to Rabat in Morocco, from 14 January to 17 January in order to meet several authorities and emissaries of the local civil society regarding the Congress of Valencia, Spain, to be held at the end of September or beginning of October 2009, as a follow up to the Congress of Algiers organised in 2006.

The Congress, which aims to bring about a North-South Mediterranean Dialogue, will focus on two major themes: education and migration. In this regard, Mr. Nothomb met with the European Commission’s local delegation; Mr. El Malki, former Education Minister and President of the Moroccan Centre for Conjuncture; Mr. El Yazani from the Council of Moroccans Abroad. He also met Mr. Ameur, Minister Delegate for the Moroccan Community living Abroad as well as with a delegation from the ISESCO (Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation): Mr. Ghemari, Director of External Relations and Cooperation, Pr. Rhiati Salih, Director of Culture and Communication, and Dr. Ould Bah, Head of Cabinet.

He also had the opportunity to meet the Education Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Akhchichine, and with Mr. Belfquih, Secretary General of the Superior Council for Education.

Mr. Nothomb’s meetings were very successful and all the partners involved were interested in the prospect of the Congress and promised to provide help in the extend of their means. Some also agreed to take part in the Congress and make speeches during it.