The Republic of The Gambia has once again reaffirmed its unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region and the Autonomy Initiative, describing it as the only credible and realistic solution to the regional dispute.
This consistent position was reiterated on Wednesday in Rabat during high-level talks between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Gambian counterpart, Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
In a joint communiqué issued following the meeting, Minister Njie reaffirmed The Gambia’s “support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region,” and expressed “full support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the only credible, serious, and realistic solution to this issue.”
The Gambian official further praised the “growing international consensus, driven by King Mohammed VI,” in support of Morocco’s sovereignty and the Autonomy Initiative. He also recalled the symbolic importance of The Gambia’s Consulate General in Dakhla, inaugurated in January 2020 as the first diplomatic mission to open in the southern city.
The meeting between Bourita and Njie also served to reinforce bilateral relations, with both ministers highlighting the solid bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that unite Morocco and The Gambia under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Adama Barrow.
Both parties reiterated their shared commitment to positioning Morocco-Gambia relations as a model of inter-African cooperation rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.
The two ministers reviewed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, including investment, industry, trade, fisheries, renewable energy, health, water, education, infrastructure, and port development.
In this context, Minister Bourita expressed Morocco’s readiness to support the implementation of The Gambia’s National Development Plan 2023–2027, which aims to expand access to basic services and foster sustainable socio-economic development in the West African nation.
The talks also tackled regional and international issues of common concern, as well as coordination within multilateral platforms, including the African Union and other regional organizations.
The Gambia’s top diplomat emphasized the importance of consolidating ties not only at the political level but also through concrete development initiatives that directly benefit citizens in both countries.
Njie’s visit to Morocco also carried symbolic weight, as it marked his first official trip abroad since being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad.
Observers view the visit as a reaffirmation of The Gambia’s alignment with Morocco on key continental priorities, including territorial integrity, economic integration, and South-South cooperation.
The meeting also reflects Rabat’s continued efforts to deepen its ties with West African partners and expand its diplomatic and economic footprint across the continent, especially in light of Morocco’s renewed engagement within African institutions.
The joint communiqué concluded with both parties expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations and their determination to transform shared political will into actionable development programs.
