Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire Bound by 'Exemplary & Benchmark' Relationship in…

Speaking at a press briefing following talks with Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mrs. Nialé Kaba, Mr. Bourita described the Ivorian official's first visit to the Kingdom in this capacity as "highly fruitful," stressing that bilateral ties have been consolidated through the multiple visits by His Majesty the King to the country, which resulted in the signing of nearly 150 bilateral agreements and the launch of structuring projects in the fields of industry, real estate, infrastructure and security.

Côte d'Ivoire remains the "leading destination for Moroccan private-sector investments in Africa," he added, noting that Moroccan-Ivorian relations are among the most diversified and effective bilateral partnerships on the continent, given the multiplicity of cooperation mechanisms and the involvement of various stakeholders.

The talks focused on ways to activate several bilateral cooperation mechanisms, notably preparations for the next session of the Joint Grand Commission to be held in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as boosting the Moroccan-Ivorian Economic Impetus Group, which brings together the public and private sectors of both countries, the minister pointed out.

He noted that Côte d'Ivoire plays a pivotal role in several strategic Royal Initiatives, particularly the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline project, which has reached "advanced stages" following the validation of the intergovernmental agreement by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as the Process of Atlantic African States.

Moreover, the minister announced that it had been agreed to increase from 150 to 200 the number of scholarships granted to Ivorian students in Morocco starting from the next academic year, thereby contributing to improving their living and training conditions.

The two sides also reviewed a series of challenges facing Africa in the areas of security, economy and environment, as well as ways to strengthen joint African action and defend the continent's interests in regional and international fora, Mr. Bourita stressed.

The minister also reiterated the Kingdom's thanks to Côte d'Ivoire for its "constant positions" on the Moroccan Sahara issue, describing the country as a "partner and ally" of Morocco in this cause.

Mr. Bourita further congratulated the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on the success of its recent electoral milestones, considering that they consolidate the process of stability and development experienced by the country under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara.

This visit thus provided an opportunity to consider the future stages of Moroccan-Ivorian relations, in accordance with the Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Alassane Ouattara, he concluded.