Morocco and Niger Forge a Multidimensional Partnership
In a significant meeting of the Joint Commission, co-chaired by Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterated its commitment to enhancing relations with the Republic of Niger. This collaboration is aligned with the High Guidelines set forth by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. During his opening speech at this pivotal fifth session, Minister Bourita emphasized the importance of this gathering as a crucial step in reinforcing the historic bonds between the two nations, aiming to transform them into a multidimensional strategic partnership.
Minister Bourita highlighted Morocco’s steadfast dedication to South-South cooperation, which he described as a fundamental pillar of the nation’s foreign policy, guided by the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI. He underscored several Royal Initiatives aimed at fostering continental integration, including the Initiative of the Atlantic African States and a Royal Initiative to enhance Atlantic Ocean access for Sahel States. Both initiatives aim to lay the groundwork for a new era characterized by shared development, security, and stability across the continent.
Furthermore, Minister Bourita expressed Morocco’s unwavering support for Niger in its battle against terrorism and violent extremism, condemning recent terrorist attacks targeting sensitive facilities within the country. He praised the resilience of Nigerien forces and highlighted the religious aspect of combating extremism through the training of imams and mourchidines at the Mohammed VI Institute. This initiative has yielded tangible results in bolstering intellectual and spiritual security in Niger.
The fifth session of the Joint Commission is poised to mark a qualitative turning point in bilateral cooperation, with plans to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding that span critical sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, health, transportation, infrastructure, youth, and sports. Minister Bourita acknowledged the positive contributions of the Moroccan private sector in Niger, particularly through investments in banking, telecommunications, and air transport, expressing optimism for further development of these initiatives for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The minister also lauded the cooperation in academic, cultural, and religious areas, citing annual scholarship programs offered to Nigerien students as a testament to this collaboration. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to making this session a new beginning that aligns with the aspirations of both His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic of Niger. This partnership is envisioned as an exemplary model of African cooperation based on active solidarity and mutual benefit.
As reported by diplomatie.ma.
