Gabonese FM visits his country’s consulate in Laayoune

Gabon’s foreign minister Pacôme Moubelet Boubeya visited the consulate of his country in Laayoune, Saharan provinces, where he reiterated Gabon’s steady support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.

“We are thoroughly on Morocco’s side” regarding the Sahara issue, Moubelet Boubeya told reporters following talks with local officials.

local officials highlighted the natural and economic assets of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, which aims to become a pioneering economic pole at the national level and a hub for trade between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to the development model of the southern provinces, launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015.

Gabon had opened its consulate earlier this year paving the way for more other countries to follow suit. Up to October 30, some 15 African countries opened consulates in Laayoune or Dakhla.

The Gabonese consulate “is not symbolic, but a true act which confirms our unwavering and constant support for Morocco”, the minister said.

The Gabonese minister had stopped in Rabat where he met his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, who expressed Morocco’s willingness to step up investments in Gabon which it considers as a gateway to the rest of Africa.