The ‘Atlas’ International Mediterranean Forum reaffirms the Mediterranean dimension and highlights the role of Morocco
Athens hosted the ‘Atlas’ International Mediterranean Forum, organised under the patronage of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Greece, in collaboration with the municipality of Heraklion and the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Greece, from 1 to 3 December 2025, with the slogan "The Mediterranean Sea... a space for civilisational connection and convergence between its two shores".
The event was attended by high-level diplomatic representatives and served to affirm the civilisational dimension of the Mediterranean Sea as a space for cultural exchange and coexistence between peoples.
The ‘Atlas’ Forum highlighted Morocco's leadership role as a ‘strategic actor linking Africa and Europe’ and its contribution to stability and dialogue in the Mediterranean.
The meeting concluded with an official declaration that served to highlight the Mediterranean scenario and Morocco's important role in the region, addressing important issues such as migration, environmental protection and the promotion of security, peace and coexistence.
The Athens Declaration is detailed below:
Athens Declaration for Mediterranean Rapprochement
Under the auspices of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Greece, and in cooperation with the Municipality of Heraklion – Athens, and the Group of Ambassadors of Francophone Countries in Greece, and following the proceedings of the first edition of the International Mediterranean Forum “Atlas,” held from December 1st to 3rd, 2025, under the theme: “The Mediterranean Sea: A Space for Cultural Interconnection and Unifying Visions Between Its two Shores.”
The forum was distinguished by the significant presence, in addition to the Director General of International Organizations, Security and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, of Ambassadors from several Mediterranean and Francophone countries, representatives of diplomatic missions, local elected representatives from several major municipalities, as well as representatives of other municipalities, and experts, thinkers, and researchers from both sides of the Mediterranean.
The participants declare the following:
The Athens Declaration
- To affirm the civilizational dimension of the Mediterranean Sea as a space for cultural exchange and coexistence among peoples, and the necessity of strengthening the shared memory of Mediterranean societies;
- To adopt an annual or semi-annual format for the forum, rotating among Mediterranean capitals, while remaining open to Francophone countries;
- To commend the Kingdom of Morocco's leading role as a strategic player linking Africa and Europe, and its contribution to consolidating stability and dialogue within the Mediterranean region;
- To develop a new approach to migration as a multi-faceted phenomenon, and to call for the establishment of mechanisms that strengthen the human dimension of migration and build upon pioneering experiences within the region;
- To consolidate cultural diversity as a fundamental element of Mediterranean identity, and to develop joint programs between universities, artists, and youth to deepen communication between the two shores;
- To strengthen climate commitment based on the Paris Agreement and the Euro-Mediterranean Declaration on Climate in Rabat, while supporting joint projects in renewable energy and the green economy;
- To strengthen the role of media in building Mediterranean understanding by combating hate speech and disinformation, and supporting media production that promotes peace and dialogue;
- Reaffirming the values of peace and coexistence as the foundation for a shared Mediterranean future, and encouraging dialogue and cultural and environmental cooperation to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
In conclusion, from Athens, a city of civilization and thought, the participants affirm that the future of the Mediterranean must be based on cooperation, coexistence, respect for rights, and environmental protection, with a collective commitment to translating this declaration into practical steps that promote stability and shared prosperity.
Done in Athens
Athens Declaration for Mediterranean Rapprochement – First Edition