Sahara: Gambia reaffirms backing to Morocco’s “credible and realistic” Autonomy Plan

The Gambia has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Morocco’s Autonomy plan, saying it is the only “credible and realistic” solution to the Sahara regional conflict.

The supportive stand was expressed in a joint communiqué issued Thursday in the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla following the 3rd meeting of the Morocco-Gambia Cooperation commission held under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and Gambian peer Mamadou Tangara.

Banjul supports Morocco’s territorial integrity, said the minister, citing in this regard the opening of a Gambian Consulate General in Dakhla in 2020, a move confirming Gambia’s recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

Mamadou Tangara also said his country praises the royal efforts made for the development of the African continent and the visit paid by King Mohammed VI to Banjul in February 2006 during which eight cooperation agreements were signed.

He also praised Morocco’s resolute commitment to give renewed momentum to the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the two countries, and highly commended the opening of the Moroccan embassy in Banjul, which will strengthen the foundations for the development of bilateral relations.

Gambia’s top diplomat voiced his country’s readiness to strengthen further partnership with Morocco in all areas and lauded the convergence of the two countries’ views on various regional and international issues of common interest.

For his part, Bourita congratulated The Gambia for its socio-economic development and reconciliation made under the leadership of President Adama Barrow. Barrow’s re-election in December 2021 shows the trust placed in him by the Gambian people to continue his remarkable work in consolidating political stability and prosperity.

During their meeting, the two ministers spoke highly about the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, which will convey Nigerian gas to at least 15 West African countries, including The Gambia. In this regard, Tangara expressed confidence that this historic project will bring economic benefits to the entire sub-region and ensure access to electricity for millions of people.

He further reaffirmed his country’s active support in fast tracking the implementation of this transformative initiative.

Both parties emphasized the importance of creating a more conducive environment for mutual investments and encouraging the business communities of both countries to fully explore and take advantage of the opportunities offered by their expanding markets and developing infrastructures.

The meeting of the Morocco-Gambia joint cooperation commission was crowned with the signing of agreements destined to enhance cooperation between the two countries in customs, fish farming & processing, international road transport of passengers & goods, trade, tourism, security, vocational training, higher education, culture…