In the joint statement signed on Wednesday in Dakhla with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, the head of Chadian diplomacy stressed “the interest shown by the two Heads of State in the development of trade relations between the two brotherly countries, particularly within the framework of the Royal Initiative which promotes access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean”, and insisted on his country’s desire to see its operationalization.
This initiative, he said, “fits perfectly with the ambitions of the landlocked Sahel states, and will contribute to improving the living conditions of the populations, not only for the Sahel but also for the entire West African region.”
Regarding the operationalization of this strategic initiative, the two ministers “welcomed the work carried out by the National Task Forces during the meetings held in Rabat on June 5 and 6, 2024.”
Mr. Koulamallah also affirmed that “the projects presented by the members of the Moroccan Task Force are in line with the national development plan currently being implemented in Chad.”
Furthermore, the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs “welcomed the enlightened Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI within the framework of the Process of the African Atlantic States, aimed at strengthening cooperation by making the African Atlantic and Sahel space a geostrategic framework for intra-African cooperation”.
During a joint press briefing with Mr. Bourita following their meeting, Mr. Koulamallah stressed the importance of this Royal Initiative which illustrates Morocco’s leadership and its active solidarity with African countries.
This is, he continued, a “co-development and peace initiative”, believing that the Sahel countries which are today facing the scourge of terrorism and difficulties in transporting their goods, will benefit from this opening and from the Port of Dakhla Atlantique.
This Initiative, which reflects the Royal Vision in favour of a more solid African integration, will also allow the strengthening of trade relations and more effective development between the countries of the South, added the Chadian minister.
“We must ensure that the countries of the Sahel, such as Chad, can benefit from this great visionary project led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and thus take advantage of their access to the Atlantic Ocean,” he declared.
Finally, the two ministers welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, as a symbol of South-South cooperation which, once completed, will contribute to improving the living conditions of the population and strengthening regional economic integration.
2024-08-30 09:56:28