Morocco and The Gambia have taken a new step in their strategic partnership with the signing of a military cooperation agreement establishing a joint commission to define and oversee key areas of collaboration.
According to a statement from Morocco’s National Defense Administration, the agreement to create a joint military commission was signed during the visit to Rabat of Gambian Minister of Defense Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, who was received by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of the Administration of National Defense.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, is part of the ongoing bilateral dialogue on security and defense between the two countries.
The agreement covers several areas, including training, joint exercises, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise. The joint military commission will meet alternately in Rabat and Banjul to set cooperation priorities and assess joint programmes.
The initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to developing pragmatic, balanced cooperation based on reciprocity and shared strategic interests.
During their talks, the two ministers also discussed regional stability and the constructive roles played by Morocco and The Gambia in promoting peace across the continent.
They commended Morocco’s contributions to collective security initiatives and peacekeeping operations, as well as The Gambia’s involvement in stabilization efforts in West Africa.
The discussions further highlighted the momentum of South–South cooperation championed by Morocco through concrete initiatives for regional integration and capacity strengthening.
Both officials reaffirmed their shared determination to give new impetus to bilateral ties by ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement signed in Rabat.
The Gambia was among the first African countries to open a Consulate General in Dakhla in 2020, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.
This diplomatic closeness is now reflected in a reinforced security partnership, consolidating cooperation between the two nations in line with Africa’s priorities for peace and development.
MK/sf/lb/gik/APA