Morocco, Saudi Arabia call for combating terrorism, separatist movements in Sahel

Morocco and Saudi Arabia have called for more efforts to support stability, promote sustainable development and fight extremism, terrorism and separatist movements in the Sahel region.

This came in the minutes of the 13th session of the Morocco-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission convened in Rabat this week under the co-chairmanship of the two countries’ Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saoud.

As stated in the minutes, Saudi Arabia voices appreciation for Morocco’s three-dimensional approach toward the Sahel region, which focuses on security, development and training of human resources.

The commission renewed its condemnation of extremism and terrorism under all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the justifications and motives, and stressed that this dangerous scourge should not be linked to any civilization or religion.

It also stressed the importance of joining regional and international efforts to confront and eradicate terrorism and eliminate its causes.

The commission reviewed the tireless efforts made by the two countries and the pioneering initiatives they have developed to counter terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the need to continue coordination in that regard at the international multilateral level, including the United Nations, the Global Forum on Countering Extremism and the International Coalition against Daesh.

The commission also welcomed the talks on the possibility to launch trilateral cooperation at the African level as part of a solidarity approach in priority areas.