Morocco and Guinea-Bissau have stressed the vital importance of the Royal Initiative for the Sahel as a means of strengthening African integration.
On the sidelines of the 3rd meeting of the Morocco-Guinea-Bissau Joint Commission, held this Tuesday in Laâyoune, in the southern provinces of Morocco, the Guinea-Bissau Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities, Carlos Pinto Pereira, expressed his full support for the kingdom of Morocco’s ambitious efforts to promote integration and regional development on the African continent.
During the meeting, which was co-chaired by the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Expatriate Moroccans, Nasser Bourita, discussions focused on a number of strategic issues, first and foremost King Mohammed VI’s initiative to transform the African Atlantic space into an optimal geostrategic framework for pragmatic cooperation and consultation.
This initiative, known as the Atlantic Sahel Initiative, aims to strengthen ties between the countries of the region and promote multi-sectoral integration.
In the joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the two ministers stressed the vital importance of the Royal Initiative for the Sahel. The main objective of this initiative is to promote regional integration by facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for the Sahelian countries. By linking these countries to the transport and communication networks of West Africa and the Maghreb, the initiative promises to boost trade and economic cooperation while offering prospects for sustainable socio-economic development.
A convergence of views
The discussions between Carlos Pinto Pereira and Nasser Bourita also revealed a remarkable convergence of views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, from regional security and economic cooperation to sustainable development and climate challenges. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in Africa.
In this context, they praised Morocco’s constant efforts to contribute to peacekeeping missions on the continent and to support initiatives for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Guinea-Bissau Minister warmly welcomed Morocco’s numerous initiatives to promote African integration. In particular, he highlighted the ambitious infrastructure projects, such as cross-border transport corridors and logistics hubs, linking the various African regions to each other and to the rest of the world.
He stressed that these projects are essential not only to improve connectivity and facilitate trade, but also to encourage foreign investment and promote inclusive economic development.
In his view, Morocco’s experience in infrastructure development and its success in modernising public services can serve as an inspiring model for other African countries.
In addition to thematic discussions, the 3rd session of the Morocco-Guinea-Bissau Joint Commission strengthened the bridges of bilateral cooperation. The two sides explored opportunities for cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy and vocational training.
Minister Nasser Bourita echoed his counterpart’s remarks, noting the importance of African solidarity and South-South partnership. He stated that Morocco remains firmly committed to offering its expertise and support to Guinea-Bissau in its development efforts, and vice versa.
MN/sf/ac/lb/as/APA