The decision, voted unanimously by FOPREL members, was announced at the Forum's 30th extraordinary session opening, hosted by the Moroccan Parliament under the theme "Facing the common challenges of security, climate change, and economic development".

On this occasion, a certificate of recognition was presented to Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami, and to Speaker of the House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid, in recognition of the central role played by the Kingdom of Morocco in strengthening South-South cooperation, particularly between Africa and Latin America.

Speaking on the occasion, FORPEL Executive Secretary General Ariel Albarado Urbina said that this upgrading of Morocco's status was the culmination of the Moroccan Parliament's efforts to bolster cooperation with countries of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico, propelling progress through several joint projects, which “focus on the challenges we face while aiming to build a shared vision for the future of our countries”.

He added that “advanced partner” status will ensure Moroccan Parliament's permanent presence on the Forum, underlining the Forum's commitment to promoting an environment conducive to flexible and balanced co-development, through parliamentary diplomacy.

In addition, the Executive Secretary General of the FOPREL Forum praised the efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His leadership “which is the key to Morocco's growth and prosperity”, stressing that the Kingdom's hosting of the Forum's 30th extraordinary session “reflects its commitment to strengthening international parliamentary relations”.

Representative of Morocco's House of Councillors to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) Ahmed Lakhrif told MAP that granting the Moroccan Parliament advanced partner status with FOPREL was in recognition of “the major efforts made by the Kingdom to bolster relations with the countries in this parliamentary bloc”.

This status will reinforce Morocco's intensive and strong presence in all member countries of this forum, in addition to strengthening its presence in other regional fora in Latin America, such as PARLACEN, the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) and the Parliament of the Economic Community of South American Countries (Parlasur), Lakhrif noted.