Morocco signs memorandum of understanding to host 2010 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa
 
Fon Mathuros, Communications Department,
Tel.: +41 (0)22 869 1403, e-mail: fma@weforum.org

Rabat, Morocco, 11 June 2009 – Representatives of the World Economic Forum and the Government of Morocco met on Monday in Rabat to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that marks the official start of preparations for the 2010 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa. Morocco will host the meeting in Marrakech from 22 to 24 October 2010.
 
Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi of Morocco and André Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. More than 1,200 leaders from business, government and civil society are expected to participate in the meeting.

“The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa will provide an exceptional platform to address challenges for the region. It will also provide an occasion to explore the perspectives of the future of European and Mediterranean cooperation and its implications for the region,” explained El Fassi.

“The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa is a unique platform for leaders from the region and the rest of the world from business, government and civil society to address the challenges of the region and chart a course for action. We look forward to holding the meeting in Morocco, an important actor in the region and a bridge between Europe and Africa. We looking forward to engage participants in a dialogue to discern the issues and solutions that have regional and global implications,” said Schneider.

The 2009 World Economic Forum on the Middle East was held at the Dead Sea in Jordan from 15-17 May, under the patronage of H.M. King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein.

Note to the Media – Media accreditation will open in February 2010. Please visit www.weforummedia.org for regular updates on the meeting.
 
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests (http://www.weforum.org).