Rabat – The pulse of Morocco’s leadership in Africa has quickened, instilling the Kingdom’s presence throughout the continent. The latest recognition of the country came from Niger, whose minister of foreign affairs said that Morocco provides “multifaceted support” for his country.
Fifty years ago, Morocco established diplomatic relations with Niger. Today, the fruits of corporation continue to thrive and prosper.
At the 4th Morocco-Niger Joint Committee, held on Dec. 25-26 in Rabat and co-chaired by foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Nigerien counterpart Ibrahim Yacoubou, the latter affirmed that Morocco represents a “very serious and important partner for Niger.”
“Morocco’s support for Niger is growing bigger and more diversified in the sectors of trade, transportation, investment, justice and training,” he said.
The session was concluded by the sealing of 16 agreements in the economic, tourism and cultural spheres, as well as in health, training, justice and transport.
Among the agreements are an accord between the Moroccan Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) and the Nigerien National Social Security Fund (CNSS), as well as a cooperation agreement between Morocco’s employers’ association (CGEM) and Niger’s chamber of commerce and industry (CCIN).
A cooperation agreement between the Casablanca-Settat chamber of commerce, industry and services and the CCIN and a partnership declaration between Barid al Maghrib and Niger Post were also signed.
An agreement on air services was established as well as another on the 2018-2025 program of tourism cooperation agreement.
Three agreements in the judicial field, namely a draft agreement on judicial cooperation in civil, commercial and administrative matters, a protocol of cooperation between the two countries’ ministries of justice and a plan of action on justice were inked.
Two memorandums of understanding were signed. One in the health sector and another in pharmacy and health products.
The two officials also vowed to implement a framework cooperation agreement on training and internship and a draft program for the implementation of the cultural agreement, signed in 1967.
Yacoubou said that the 4th session and the signing of the 16 agreements constitute “one of the most important phases in strengthening bilateral cooperation.” He invited Bourita to visit Niger to forge ahead with this bilateral cooperation.
Further and Beyond
Morocco’s return to the African Union is “an additional asset given to the political, historical and economic weight of Kingdom,” the Nigerien official said, whose country never recognized Polisario, and was among the first countries to support Morocco’s return to the AU and its request to join ECOWAS.
“Our organization is strengthened and Africa is strengthened by the leadership of Morocco in many issues,” said Yacoubou.
