Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – On the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Banjul, held to prepare for the 15th session of the Islamic Conference at the OIC Summit on May 4th and 5th, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with his counterpart from Niger, Bakary Yaou Sangare. The meeting marked a significant step in advancing the goals of the Atlantic Initiative.

While the details of their discussions were not disclosed, the meeting underscored Niger’s commitment to the initiative. Alongside Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, Niger is one of the key members of the Atlantic Initiative, which seeks to revitalize the Sahel region and promote development in Africa.

Niger has actively engaged with the Atlantic Initiative, a strategic endeavor launched by the Kingdom of Morocco to bolster prosperity in Africa through South-South cooperation. The initiative, spearheaded by King Mohammed VI, aims to enhance the access of Sahelian countries to the Atlantic Ocean, even for landlocked nations, through mutually beneficial partnerships.

Morocco’s strategic offer to provide access to its road, port, and rail infrastructures to landlocked Sahelian countries is a cornerstone of the initiative. 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. Morocco’s proactive approach towards fostering development in the region underscores its commitment to elevating Africa’s position on the global stage.