A regional ambition founded in Marrakesh on 17 February 1989.
The Arab Maghreb Union is a regional organisation bringing together Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia. It was established by the Treaty of Marrakesh, signed on 17 February 1989, which provides the institutional framework for consultation and integration among its Member States.
Its headquarters, the General Secretariat, is based in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.
The founding Treaty of the AMU sets out the following objectives:
With a view to eventually establishing a Maghreb economic union, the following stages have been set:
Strengthen dialogue and consultation among Member States.
Develop regional trade and joint projects.
Foster human, cultural and social links among the peoples of the Maghreb.
The General Secretariat of the Arab Maghreb Union is led by a Secretary-General, appointed by the Presidential Council. The Secretary-General ensures the institutional representation of the Union, follow-up on decisions of Maghreb bodies, and coordination between Member States.
The current Secretary-General is H.E. Mr. Tarak Ben Salem.
The Secretary-General →The Arab Maghreb Union distinguishes two categories of agreements: Maghreb agreements concluded between its Member States (signed or in force), and agreements concluded with similar regional and international organisations — the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States, United Nations agencies — as well as with financial and development institutions.
On 10 June 1988, the leaders of the Maghreb states, meeting in Zeralda (Algeria), decided to form a committee tasked with determining the means of achieving Maghreb unity. The committee’s first meeting was set for 13 July 1988 in Algiers. This declaration laid the political groundwork that led to the signing of the Treaty of Marrakesh the following year.
The founding Treaty of the Arab Maghreb Union, signed in Marrakesh on 17 February 1989, establishes the principles, institutions and cooperation mechanisms between the five Member States.
