By Haddy Touray
The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of The Gambia agreed on Thursday in Dakhla to further develop their economic partnership and increase bilateral exchanges.
In the Joint Communique issued at the end of the 3rd session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Morocco and The Gambia, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Mamadou Tangara, both parties emphasized the importance of creating a more conducive environment for mutual investments and encouraging the business communities of both countries to fully explore and take advantage of the opportunities offered by their expanding markets and developing infrastructures.
The two ministers spoke highly about the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, which will connect Nigerian gas to at least 15 West African countries, including the Republic of The Gambia. In this regard, Tangara expressed confidence that this historic project will bring economic benefits to the entire sub-region and ensure access to electricity for millions of people.
He further reaffirmed his country’s active support in fast-tracking the implementation of this transformative initiative.
The two ministers also reviewed the progress of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in all areas of common interest, as well as the need to maintain the current momentum.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to explore new avenues of cooperation in priority areas such as investment, industry, trade, fishing, and renewable energy.
In this context, Bourita reiterated the readiness of the Kingdom of Morocco to contribute to the implementation of the National Development Plan of the Republic of The Gambia, aiming to ensure the necessary conditions for its economic and social emergence.
Both parties reaffirmed their determination to continue their sustained political engagement, regular dialogues, and high-level exchanges, both at the bilateral level and within international and regional mechanisms such as the United Nations and the African Union.
They agreed to mutually support, if necessary, the Moroccan and Gambian candidacies at the regional and international cooperation mechanisms. In this regard, Tangara expressed The Gambia’s firm support for Morocco’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2028-2029.
In this Joint Communiqué, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the tangible results of the third session of the Joint Commission, marked by the signing of eleven cooperation agreements covering various areas.
Finally, they agreed to hold the fourth session of the Morocco-Gambia Joint Cooperation Commission, the location and date of which will be determined by mutual agreement through diplomatic channels.
