Foreign minister of Côte d’Ivoire Mrs. Nialé Kaba has reaffirmed her country’s steadfast support for Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara.
In a joint statement issued following her talks held Thursday in rabat with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, the top diplomat of Côte d’Ivoire hailed the UNSC resolution 2797 which endorsed the Autonomy plan in the Sahara under the Kingdom’s sovereignty, saying the plan is the ONLY feasible solution to end the five-decade regional conflict.
Mrs. Nialé Kaba praised the royal initiatives launched for the development of Africa, citing in this regard the Process of Atlantic African States and the Atlantic Ocean access initiative for Sahel countries.
The centuries-old relations and cooperation between Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire have gained momentum under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Alassane Ouattara, she said, stressing the important role played by Moroccan private sector in Côte d’Ivoire and contributions of Moroccan companies in her country’s economy.
For his part, Mr. Bourita thanked Côte d’Ivoire for its constant supportive stand, saying that the opening of Ivorian Consulate in Laayoune in 2020 demonstrates the strong bonds and strategic partnership existing between the two countries.
Bilateral ties have been consolidated through the multiple royal visits paid to this African country, he said. The royal visits were crowned with the signing of nearly 150 bilateral agreements and the launch of structuring projects in industry, real estate, infrastructure and security.
Côte d’Ivoire remains the “leading destination for Moroccan private-sector investments in Africa,” he added, describing the Moroccan-Ivorian ties among the most diversified and dynamic relations. Besides, Côte d’Ivoire plays a pivotal role in several strategic Royal Initiatives, particularly the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline project, said Mr. Bourita.
During their meeting, the two officials discussed the next session of the Joint Grand Commission to be held in Côte d’Ivoire, the Moroccan-Ivorian Economic Impetus Group, which brings together the public and private sectors of both countries.
Talks also covered the major challenges facing Africa and joint African action to defend the continent’s interests in regional and international fora.
