Gambia – (RABAT) – Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on Monday warmly received his Gambian counterpart, Mamadou Tangara, who arrived bearing a written message from President Adama Barrow for King Mohammed VI. The meeting, held in Morocco, highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, with a focus on mutual support and collaboration.

Minister Tangara praised the strong relationship between Morocco and Gambia, particularly acknowledging Morocco’s vital support, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, for the upcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit scheduled for May 4-5 in Gambia. He reiterated Gambia’s commitment to working closely with Morocco, emphasizing their shared vision for a prosperous, unified, and stable Africa.

During the meeting, Tangara also emphasized the importance of the Royal Initiative for the Atlantic, describing it as a crucial factor for regional stability and prosperity. He further reiterated Gambia’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including over the Moroccan Sahara.

This meeting builds upon Tangara’s previous visit in late January, where both nations underscored the importance of creating an environment conducive to mutual investments and leveraging opportunities presented by expanding markets and infrastructures. They also discussed the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which will provide access to Nigerian gas for at least 15 West African countries, including Gambia.

Additionally, the ministers reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, highlighting investment, industry, trade, fisheries, and renewable energies as priority areas. Morocco reaffirmed its support for Gambia’s National Development Plan, emphasizing the need to sustain momentum in their collaboration.

Both ministers agreed to support each other’s candidacies at various levels, with Gambia firmly endorsing Morocco’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2028-2029. They expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their joint commission session, which saw the signing of eleven cooperation agreements. Plans for the fourth session of the Joint Commission were also discussed, with details to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

The meeting between the Moroccan and Gambian foreign ministers underscores the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two nations, setting a positive tone for future collaboration and partnership.