King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt congratulations to Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in honor of the 66th anniversary of Senegal's independence. In his congratulatory message, the Moroccan monarch conveyed his best wishes for the ongoing progress and prosperity of the Senegalese nation, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth and collaboration.
Highlighting the deep-rooted and exceptional ties of brotherhood that exist between the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples, King Mohammed VI acknowledged the persistent renewal of cooperative relations between the two countries. The bilateral relationship, which has thrived since Senegal's independence in 1960, is founded on robust religious, economic, and diplomatic connections. Morocco has emerged as a significant investor in Senegal, particularly in key sectors such as banking, insurance, construction, and pharmaceuticals. The cultural and religious affiliations, notably through the Tijaniyya Sufi Order, further solidify the bond shared by these two nations.
Senegal also plays a crucial role in the ambitious $25 billion Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, which aims to transport natural gas from Nigeria across 13 West African nations, ultimately reaching Morocco and Europe. This strategic partnership underscores the collaborative efforts between the two countries in addressing energy needs and enhancing regional connectivity.
In response to the ongoing health crisis due to the coronavirus, Morocco has declared a health emergency, effective from March 20 to April 20, as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus. The government has approved draft laws to enforce quarantine regulations and impose sanctions on those who violate the established precautionary measures.
Furthermore, the Moroccan government has presented the 2019 appropriation bill to parliament, which aims to increase spending on social services, reduce social and spatial disparities, and promote enterprise development. This initiative includes an allocation of an additional 7 billion dirhams specifically for education.
In a significant move towards agricultural development, OCP Africa, a subsidiary of Morocco's OCP Group, has launched an Agricultural Service Centers project in Rwanda. This initiative, in collaboration with the Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC) and the international NGO Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), aims to support small farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in the East African nation.
Moreover, the US Army is contemplating the establishment of a network of regional drone training centers in Africa, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of partner forces in facing shared security challenges. The first of these centers is set to be established in Morocco, with the initiative poised to commence next month, according to defense-focused reports.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
