Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita Morocco-Ivorian Ties, ‘Strategic Partnership’ Powered by Two Leaders’ Commitment to a United Continent
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and the Moroccan Diaspora, described bilateral relations between Morocco and Ivory Coast as a “benchmark” and a “strategic partnership” in Laayoune on Friday, drawing strength from the ambition and commitment of both heads of state. I wish the African continent unity and prosperity.
Speaking at the 5th session of the Morocco-Côte d’Ivoire Grand Joint Cooperation Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bourita stressed that these relations have been developing significantly at all levels thanks to the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help him, and His brother, His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, continues to create economic and strategic synergies.
He added that these relationships, known as the “Reference” and “Strategic Partnership”, derive their strength from the ambition and commitment of both leaders to the unity and prosperity of the African continent.
Bourita said that holding this meeting reflects the quality of relations between the two countries and proves the solidity of their historical relations, noting that this meeting serves to strengthen the political consultations and ongoing dialogue established over decades between Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire. provides an ideal opportunity. Côte d’Ivoire, and provide a framework conducive to the debate on the future of Moroccan-Côte d’Ivoire relations, a key pillar in adapting to the current realities on the African continent.
He welcomed the positive results of this partnership, which is an innovative model of South-South cooperation between two African countries, and pointed out that this partnership has a solid foundation, realistic content, and diversified partners. He further said that the two countries are therefore committed to promoting partnership in various fields including infrastructure.
The minister said that the Morocco-Côte d’Ivoire Grand Joint Cooperation Committee is an important step in the process of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and reflects the determination of the leaders of the two countries to work together to inject new impetus into the relations between the two countries. Promote development in all sectors by reactivating the mechanisms prescribed by the Economic Promotion Group.
The Moroccan diplomatic chief also highlighted the important political and economic coordination mechanisms linking the two countries, as evidenced by Morocco’s significant economic presence in Côte d’Ivoire, which is unparalleled in Africa.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Britta noted that “the agreements signed during this ministerial meeting will pave the way for the creation of a favorable business environment and the expansion of areas of win-win partnership between Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire”.
In addition, the Minister expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, Kaku Wayaha Leon, for his country’s firm and clear stance towards the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco and for its commitment to Morocco The Kingdom’s permanent and historic support. Moroccan Sahara, adding that “at the international level, Côte d’Ivoire has always been one of the zealous defenders of the rights of the Moroccan Sahara and the legitimacy of its national cause. This continued support led to the Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in Laayoune on February 18, 2020 Opening day.”
Taking into account the achievements and future prospects, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Britta pointed out that although bilateral trade relations are highly developed, further diversification is needed in order to raise these relations to the level of aspirations of the two brotherly peoples, calling on the Moroccan and Ivorian economies Operators seize the opportunities the two countries offer to strengthen partnerships and increase investment in technology to address sustainable development challenges.
As part of its solidarity with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, he reiterated Morocco’s full readiness to work towards the implementation of new mechanisms for exchange and sharing of experiences in the scientific and technical fields between Moroccan institutions and their Ivorian counterparts.
In this regard, he noted that the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has clearly demonstrated its political will and serious commitment to the completion of the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by signing a tripartite memorandum of understanding in June 2024, recalling that “the construction of this large-scale project It has entered an advanced stage and is a symbol of South-South cooperation, aiming to benefit more than 340 million people in West Africa and provide guarantee for the transformation of Africa’s development model. His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God bless him, has always advocated.”
Aware of the challenges facing the African continent, His Majesty the King has launched several initiatives to benefit Atlantic African countries, particularly those aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic for countries in the Sahel region, to usher in a new era in Africa. MFA Bourita recalled that this is the common development, stability and prosperity of all African peoples. He added that these structural projects are examples of South-South cooperation, which African countries should encourage to achieve the goals of the African development model.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and the Moroccan Diaspora of the Kingdom of Morocco.
