Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation, Morocco and Niger convened for the fifth session of their Joint Cooperation Committee in Niamey, guided by the royal directives of King Mohammed VI. The meeting, presided over by Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, aimed to elevate the relationship between the two nations into a multi-dimensional partnership. The Nigerian side was represented by Bakary Yaou Sangare, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad. During his address, Bourita emphasized the historical ties that bind the two countries and reiterated their shared commitment to developing a strategic partnership that transcends traditional cooperation.
Commitment to Development and Security
Bourita highlighted Morocco's ongoing commitment to South-South cooperation, a strategic choice that underpins the nation's foreign policy. He referenced Morocco's major initiatives aimed at achieving continental integration, including efforts to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, thus creating favorable conditions for a new phase of joint development and enhancing security and stability across the continent. Furthermore, he expressed Morocco's full solidarity with Niger in its battle against terrorism and violent extremism, condemning recent terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure in the country.
Additionally, Bourita acknowledged the resilience of Niger's armed forces and underscored the importance of the religious dimension in preventing extremism. He pointed to the training programs for imams and religious leaders at the Mohammed VI Institute, which have made significant contributions to promoting intellectual and spiritual security in Niger. The fifth session of the committee is expected to mark a qualitative transformation in bilateral cooperation, with the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding across vital sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, health, transportation, infrastructure, youth, and sports. The Moroccan private sector's investments in Niger, particularly in banking, telecommunications, and air transport, also received praise, with Bourita expressing confidence in the potential for further development in these areas.
Bourita concluded by reaffirming Morocco's commitment to making this session a new beginning for more advanced bilateral relations, aligning with the aspirations of both King Mohammed VI and Niger's President Abdourahamane Tiani, thereby embodying an ideal model of African cooperation based on effective solidarity and mutually beneficial partnerships.
As reported by hespress.com.
