Côte d’Ivoire Opens Honorary Consulate in Laayoune

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire was inaugurated on Wednesday in Laayoune, a move destined to enhance further the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

During a ceremony, attended by representatives of local authorities, elected officials, associations, chioukhs and notables, the Honorary Consul Mohamed El Imam Maelainine, was officially installed in his position.

“Thanks to the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Laayoune, multidimensional relations with Morocco will gain momentum,” Ivorian ambassador to Morocco, Idrissa Traore, told the press, affirming that the Rabat-Abidjan axis is booming.

“Beyond traditional bilateral relations, Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco have built a strategic partnership,” Traore said, noting that the newly opened consulate, which will cover the regions of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, will enable people to feel the positive impacts of the cooperation agreements sealed between the two countries.

Regarding the Sahara issue, the Ambassador reiterated his country’s full support to the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, affirming that Côte d’Ivoire has been and will always stand on Morocco’s side.

Mr.Traore hailed King Mohammed VI’s Vision which gave a new impetus to the socio-economic development of the southern provinces, and highlighted the huge investments made in these regions which boast huge economic potentials.

The diplomat also highlighted the important role played by the honorary consul at the administrative, financial, economic, cultural and scientific levels, noting that this consulate will open up the southern regions of Morocco to Côte d’Ivoire.

He went on to say that several seminars will be organized soon, twinning accords between Morocco’s southern cities and those of Côte d’Ivoire will be signed, and exchange of visits between businessmen will be enhanced.

For his part, Mr. Maelainen said the honorary consulate will play a major role between the two countries, noting that relations between Rabat and Abidjan have been gaining momentum since the enthronement of King Mohammed VI. The Sovereign has made Africa a priority, turning development, peace and prosperity of the continent into a true national and African roadmapsaid.

“The glorious return of Morocco to the African Union, the various royal visits to African countries as well as the huge Moroccan investments injected in various fields are all tangible indicators of this dynamic,” explained the Honorary Consul.