Gambiaj.com – (Rabat, Morocco) – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with his Gambian counterpart Mamadou Tangara on Tuesday in Rabat, where both sides pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting underscored Gambia’s “unambiguous” support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reflecting a growing trend of international endorsements for Morocco’s territorial claims.

Tangara delivered a letter from Gambian President Adama Barrow to King Mohammed VI, highlighting the enduring political dialogue and friendship between the two countries. The discussions centered on shared interests within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where Gambia currently holds the rotating presidency.

The OIC’s Al-Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI, remains a focal point for cultural and religious issues in Jerusalem.

Reiterating Gambia’s consistent support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, Tangara hailed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as “the most viable path” toward resolving the decades-long Western Sahara dispute. He also praised Morocco’s recent diplomatic breakthroughs, particularly the United Kingdom’s 2024 decision to back the autonomy initiative.

Morocco’s autonomy plan, first proposed in 2007, aims to provide substantial self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. This proposal has garnered increasing support from several international actors, despite resistance from the Sahrawi independence movement, the Polisario Front, which seeks full independence.

The Gambia and Morocco have steadily strengthened their bilateral relations over the years, working closely within the African Union and forging agreements across various sectors.

In 2024, Gambia praised Morocco’s Atlantic Ocean Access Initiative, describing Morocco as a pioneer in fostering South-South cooperation—an approach that underscores economic and social development partnerships among Global South nations.

King Mohammed VI emphasized this commitment, stating, “Morocco is ready to make its road, port and rail infrastructures available to support this initiative,” thereby demonstrating Morocco’s readiness to play a pivotal role in reshaping the Atlantic region into a dynamic hub for cooperation and dialogue.

The Atlantic Initiative not only redefines the geographical significance of the Atlantic but also aims to transform it into a crucial zone for peace, sustainable development, and enhanced international cooperation.

Tuesday’s meeting in Rabat reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to closer collaboration and underscored their shared diplomatic priorities on regional and international fronts.

A year ago, Morocco officially opened its embassy in Banjul, The Gambia. Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mamadou Tangara attended the ceremony.

Morocco and The Gambia have consistently nurtured a strong and friendly relationship. They have carried out frequent high-level visits and signed multiple cooperation agreements spanning various sectors.