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Casablanca — Morocco officially assumed the presidency of the Western Mediterranean Transport Ministers Group (GTMO 5+5) on Wednesday, taking over from Malta at the end of the group’s 11th ministerial conference held in Rabat.
The country will lead the organization for the 2026-2028 period, a role that brings together ten countries from both shores of the western Mediterranean to coordinate policies and projects related to transport, logistics, and mobility.
Morocco succeeds Malta, which had chaired the group since 2021. The handover comes as the country continues to expand its transport infrastructure and strengthen its position as a gateway linking Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region.
Speaking during the conference, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh said the presidency is both an honor and a responsibility. He described Morocco as a natural crossroads between Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, adding that the country intends to use its mandate to deepen cooperation among member states and reinforce the group’s role as a platform for dialogue and exchange in the transport sector.
According to Kayouh, Morocco’s presidency will focus on several priorities over the next two years. These include developing an integrated multimodal transport network across the western Mediterranean and advancing the Trans-Maghreb Multimodal Corridor as a tool to facilitate trade and support regional economic integration.
Confidence in Morocco’s deepening logistics leadership
Morocco also plans to promote more resilient transport systems capable of adapting to the effects of climate change, while supporting energy transition efforts and the decarbonization of the sector. Accelerating the digital transformation of transport infrastructure and mobility services will also be among the key objectives, alongside investment in human capital and stronger partnerships with international organizations and financial institutions.
The conference brought together ministers, delegation heads, and representatives of regional and international partner organizations. Participants praised Morocco’s role in regional dialogue and pointed to the country’s progress in transport infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and regional value-chain integration.
The new presidency comes in a year marked by continued efforts to modernize Morocco’s transport sector. Authorities have pressed ahead with projects aimed at improving logistics efficiency, expanding sustainable mobility solutions, and strengthening links between ports, road networks, rail infrastructure, and industrial zones.
At the close of the meeting, member states expressed confidence in Morocco’s leadership and its ability to drive forward a shared vision for transport cooperation, economic development, and greater integration across the western Mediterranean.
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