Rabat – Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire share a common vision on regional and continental issues, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad Mr. Kacou Houadja Léon Adom said on Wednesday in Rabat.
“The two countries share a common vision on all that is happening on the African continent and the challenges facing the sub-region and the means to overcome them”, stressed the head of Ivorian diplomacy at a press briefing following his talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita.
The Ivorian Minister welcomed the excellent cooperation between the two countries in various fields. “As is the case with economic cooperation, cultural relations continue to strengthen”, he noted, highlighting the convergence of the two countries’ political views.
He also underlined that Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are linked by historic relations, the foundations of which were laid by “Great Men”.
Today, we have a duty not only to celebrate these relationships, but also to ensure their durability and growth from strong to stronger”, he added.
The Ivorian Minister also reaffirmed his country’s full support for the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco, which constitutes the only credible and realistic solution for resolving this regional dispute.
He also praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical, and sustainable solution to the dispute over the Sahara.
Welcoming this decision, Mr. Bourita thanked the Ivorian side for its constant and firm support, hailing Côte d’Ivoire’s decision to open a General Consulate in Laayoune since February 18, 2020.
During the press briefing, the Minister also commended King Mohammed VI’s vision for promoting peace, stability as well as socio-economic development in Africa.
He also hailed Morocco’s Atlantic initiative, which seeks to facilitate access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean.
For the Ivorian official, the initiative announced by HM Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, reflects Morocco’s active solidarity with its African brotherly countries.
Bourita and Leon Ado also welcomed the momentum created within the framework of the Atlantic African States Process to make the Atlantic African space a geostrategic framework that holds significant opportunities for synergy and cooperation among its member countries in strategic areas, such as food security, health, and energy.
Both officials also stressed the importance of progress in realizing the mega project of the West African gas pipeline between Morocco and Nigeria.
“This project, a symbol of South-South cooperation, will contribute to improving the living conditions of the population and strengthening regional economic integration once completed,” both officials emphasized.
