Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, held talks on Friday in Rabat with the President of Senegal’s National Assembly, El Malick Ndiaye, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional cooperation initiatives.
Following the meeting, Ndiaye reiterated Senegal’s firm support for the Royal Initiative for Atlantic Africa, describing it as a strategic framework aimed at enhancing security, stability, and shared prosperity among Atlantic-facing African countries. He said Senegal’s parliament is preparing to host a second session in Dakar, expected in April or May, to begin the operational phase of the initiative with the participation of 28 countries along the Atlantic coast.
The Senegalese official stressed that the process, launched in favor of landlocked African states seeking access to port and airport infrastructure, embodies African values of solidarity and shared development. He added that the initiative reflects Africa’s determination to take control of its own future through collective action.
On the issue of Morocco’s territorial integrity, Ndiaye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and the Moroccan autonomy initiative. He congratulated Morocco following the adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2797 on the Moroccan Sahara, reiterating Dakar’s consistent and longstanding position on the matter.
Ndiaye said his discussions with Bourita also covered areas of mutual interest, particularly ways to strengthen cooperation between Morocco and Senegal in the economic, social, religious, and cultural fields. He welcomed the excellent state of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of high-level exchanges in reinforcing South-South cooperation.
In this context, he highlighted the significance of the upcoming visit to Morocco by the Senegalese Prime Minister, which will take place within the framework of the 15th Joint High Commission, now elevated to the level of heads of government.
The President of the Senegalese National Assembly also praised Morocco’s organization of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025), saying the tournament “will go down in the history of world football” and serve as an inspiration for many countries around the world.
