Charge d’Affaires Ahmed Belhadj made this disclosure during the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI on Tuesday 30 July.
“In order to boost our relations, we are planning to organize a business forum for Moroccan and Gambian businessmen in order to explore business opportunities in The Gambia,” he said.
“In African trade, Morocco who has joined the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) upon its launch in 2021, is becoming a strategic hub for the North Africa region and the entire continent.”
In this regard, he expressed gratitude to the Gambian Government for their continued cooperation and friendship.
“We strongly believe that working together will achieve our common development vision and embed our relations in excellence,” he said, adding: “The Gambia is also a key partner to Morocco within the African Union and the ECOWAS and other regional and international instances in which the two countries coordinate and share the same view and vision of peace, security and development in Africa.”
He further stated: “Regarding our bilateral relations, this year was marked by several visits by delegations from various ministries and institutions. Last January, the two countries held the 3rd Joint Cooperation Commission in Dakhla during which 11 agreements were signed in different areas. Till date, 34 agreements have been signed between the two countries in various fields.”
About ties between both countries, he said: “Relations between Morocco and Gambia are not only brotherly and friendly countries, but also strong partners in various fields, thanks to consultation and coordination based on the principles of solidarity and mutual support.
“Over the past 25 years, Morocco has played an active role in the continent’s development. Through its actions of solidarity, its approach based on the principle of South-South cooperation, but also through its investments aimed at contributing to the creation of sustainable economic growth.
“Morocco’s real attachment to this continent is illustrated by the many Royal Visits it has made to various African countries. Since 2000, Morocco has signed more than 1,500 agreements with more than 45 African countries.
“In the field of education, Morocco has a long-standing tradition of investing in Africa’s youth dating back to the 1980s. Each year, over 7,000 students from several sub-Saharan African countries enroll in universities in Morocco, benefiting from scholarships.”
According to the latest statistics, Charge d’Affaires Belhadj said Morocco welcomed more than 25,000 students from 47 African countries and around 5,000 of professionals on vocational training in Morocco's “centers of excellence”.
