RABAT, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Morocco has formally announced on Monday its accession to the South Africa-based Pan-African Parliament, the official MAP news agency reported.

The move was formalized after five Moroccan ministers were sworn in alongside 73 deputies from other African countries at the opening of the sixth ordinary session of the pan-African body in Midrand near the South African city of Johannesburg, the same source said.

This accession is decisive for the kingdom, after Morocco has regained its place in the African Union (AU) and made great contribution to the continent, it pointed out.

In February 2017, Morocco rejoined the AU after 33 years of absence.

The Pan-African Parliament brings together 255 members representing the 55 AU member states.

It holds at least two regular sessions a year and consists of ten standing committees.