Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – Morocco has officially opened its embassy in Banjul, The Gambia, in a ceremony attended by Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and his Gambian counterpart Mamadou Tangara. The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Gambian Foreign Minister Tangara expressed his delight at the opening of the Moroccan Embassy, highlighting the positive impact it will have on fostering understanding between the two nations. He also praised the longstanding and deep bilateral relations between Morocco and The Gambia, noting that The Gambia was the first African country to establish a consulate general in the southern Moroccan city of Dakhla.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Gambian officials, representatives from the diplomatic corps, and consuls from European and African countries accredited to Banjul. Members of the Moroccan delegation participating in the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as members of the Moroccan community in The Gambia, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Moroccan Embassy Ahmed Belhaj, were also present.

The opening of Morocco’s diplomatic representation in Banjul coincides with the 15th summit of the OIC, which is scheduled to convene leaders and heads of government from OIC member states at Banjul’s “Dauda Kairaba Diawara” International Conference Center on Saturday.

Morocco and The Gambia have maintained strong and friendly relations, characterized by frequent high-level visits and the signing of multiple cooperation agreements across various sectors. Earlier this week, Ministers Bourita and Tangara met in Rabat, where the Gambian FM delivered a written message from President Adama Barrow to King Mohammed VI. During the meeting, Tangara reiterated The Gambia’s commitment to collaboration with Morocco and expressed shared aspirations for a prosperous, unified, and stable Africa.

Additionally, Tangara reaffirmed his country’s strong support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including over the Western Sahara. He also praised Morocco’s Royal Initiative for the Atlantic as a cornerstone for regional stability and prosperity.