In a Joint Statement published, on Friday in Laayoune, following bilateral talks between Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Léon Kacou ADOM, Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, the two Ministers praised the excellent ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries, driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara.

The two Ministers also hailed the great strides made as part of the strategic partnership between the two countries, illustrated by numerous Royal Visits to Abidjan by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and the launch of several projects in various sectors such as infrastructure, fisheries, housing, health, agriculture and human development, reflecting the special place this brotherly country occupies in the heart of His Majesty the King personally.

The two parties also emphasized the key role of Moroccan and Ivorian private sectors in promoting bilateral relations and encouraging new investment in the two sister countries as part of a new win-win strategic partnership.

In this regard, the two heads of diplomacy called on the two countries’ private sectors to contribute to boosting and strengthening economic exchanges and partnerships by reactivating the mechanisms provided for under the Economic Impetus Group, with a view to breathing new life into bilateral cooperation in sectors of common interest.

They reiterated the importance of setting up a monitoring mechanism and mutually beneficial operational cooperation between the two countries’ port infrastructure, particularly between Tanger-Med and the Autonomous Port of Abidjan, as well as the new Dakhla Atlantique Port.

Regarding regional and international issues of common interest, the two Ministers noted with satisfaction their convergence of views on the various questions raised, and reiterated their determination to participate in efforts to settle disputes in Africa.

On this basis, the two parties agreed to continue to support, in a concerted and mutual manner, Moroccan and Ivorian candidacies for regional and international bodies.

The two Ministers then praised the active role played by nationals of their respective countries in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire in bringing the two brotherly peoples closer together, and noted with satisfaction that their stay and residence had been facilitated since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962.