Rabat & Niamey Building a Model Strategic Partnership in Africa

Morocco and Niger have strengthened their partnership with the signing on Tuesday in Rabat of 16 cooperation agreements destined to lift their strategic partnership to higher levels.

The deals, sealed during the 4th session of the Morocco-Niger Joint High Committee, include projects in the sectors of trade, tourism, culture, health, training, justice, customs and transport.

Addressing the joint committee, Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita said cooperation between the two countries is based on friendship, fraternity, solidarity and mutual trust.

He praised the firm and clear position adopted by Niamey regarding the Sahara and Morocco’s territorial integrity, saying that Niger is one of the African countries that never recognized the pseudo-SADR, and has supported Morocco’s return to the African Union as well as its bid to join ECOWAS.

Bourita also recalled the visits paid by King Mohammed VI to this country and the Moroccan humanitarian aid sent to Niger within the frame of South-South solidarity.

Niger is a key element for stability and security in the Sahel region, stressed the top Moroccan diplomat, saying that this African country faces many security and development challenges and is suffering from the consequences of the region’s destabilization.

For his part, Niger’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Yacoubou hailed Morocco’s support and solidarity, noting that the works of the joint committee show the strong and multifaceted cooperation ties existing between the two countries.

Morocco and Niger are building a model partnership in Africa, added Yacoubou, noting that his country looks forward to benefitting from the experience and know-how of the North African Kingdom, which stands as a model of development and stability in the continent.

The return of Morocco to its African family is an asset for the action of the pan-African organization, stressed the Nigerien official.