Gabon Reaffirms Commitment to Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
In a significant diplomatic move, Gabon has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, labeling the Moroccan autonomy plan as “the only credible and realistic solution” to the ongoing regional dispute. This declaration was made during a joint press conference held in Rabat, featuring Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Gabon’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Marie Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny. The Gabonese minister emphasized her country's firm stance on Morocco's territorial integrity, extending the endorsement to the Sahara region.
Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny praised the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which she believes reinforces the autonomy initiative as a serious and viable pathway toward a political resolution of the conflict. She highlighted Gabon's alignment with increasing international support for Morocco's autonomy plan, further evidenced by Gabon’s earlier decision to establish a consulate general in Laayoune back in January 2020. This move signifies a tangible commitment to bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations Through Economic Cooperation
Beyond the critical issue of Western Sahara, both ministers expressed a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in various sectors, particularly focusing on economic and human development. Bourita announced an increase in the number of scholarships allocated to Gabonese students from 150 to 180, covering both academic and professional training programs aimed at supporting Gabon’s sustainable development goals. This initiative underscores the mutual benefits of educational exchanges and capacity building between Morocco and Gabon.
The discussions also revolved around enhancing collaboration in vital areas including agriculture, agribusiness, infrastructure, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. The ministers recognized the necessity of involving the private sector more actively to foster economic partnerships and investment opportunities. They expressed a collective ambition to elevate Moroccan-Gabonese relations to a more advanced strategic level founded on trust, solidarity, and common developmental objectives.
Moving forward, the two parties agreed to convene a joint cooperation commission in the coming months to facilitate these objectives. They also called for revitalizing the Morocco-Gabon Business Council and organizing an economic forum aimed at boosting trade and supporting Gabon's economic diversification efforts. Furthermore, Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny commended King Mohammed VI's initiatives promoting development across Africa, specifically recognizing the momentum behind the Atlantic African States Process, which aims to establish a collaborative framework for addressing crucial issues like food security, health, energy, and logistics.
Both ministers acknowledged the strategic importance of the King’s initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean and its role in fostering regional solidarity and economic integration. Gabon expressed its readiness to expand cooperation with Morocco across multiple sectors, reinforcing the commitment to a strong partnership that benefits both nations.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
