RABAT - The 11th Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) opened Wednesday in the Moroccan city of Marrakech with the participation of over 100 countries.

Under the theme "Honoring International Commitments to Unlock the Potential of all Migrants for Development," the summit presents an opportunity for the global migration community to reflect on a number of issues related to migration.

It also serves as preparation stage for the adoption of the first ever Global Compact for Migration, which is expected to take place in Marrakech in Dec 10-11.

The three-day summit, gathers ministers and officials from all over the world, aims to advances understanding and cooperation on the mutually reinforcing relationship between migration and development.

Currently co-chaired by Morocco and Germany, the GFMD is a voluntary, informal, non-binding and government-led process open to all states members and observers of the United Nations.