Laayoune – Gabon commemorated on Wednesday the 62nd anniversary of its country’s independence in its general consulate in the Moroccan city of Laayoune.
The Central African country’s representative in Morocco Minko Mi Nseme Sylver Aboubakar said in an opening ceremony that this celebration “reflects Gabon’s unwavering support for the Moroccanness of [Western] Sahara and the territorial integrity of the kingdom.”
Laayoune’s Secretary General Ibrahim Boutmilat welcomed Gabon’s continuous support for Morocco regarding the Western Sahara dispute. He also made note of the strong bilateral relations that both countries enjoy.
During the celebrations, the Moroccan Startup Grow Foundation and the Mouetse Association of Feminists signed an agreement to empower women in the region.
Morocco and Gabon have shared friendly diplomatic relations for 50 years, defined by mutual support and cooperation.
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Gabon opened its general consulate in Laayoune in January 2020 as a sign of support to Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Gabonese President Ali Bongo completed his medical recuperation in Morocco in 2018, at the insistence of King Mohammed VI, who requested he received treatment in Morocco instead of London.
Gabon and Morocco also share significant trade relations, Gabon imports fish, seafood, and meat from Morocco, according to data from Trading Economics.
Morocco exported to Gabon over MAD 537 million ($52 million) in 2020. Meat, fish, and seafood exports amounted to MAD 279 million ($27.79 million), while electronics and sugar products made up MAD 55 million ($5.32) and MAD 37.5 ($3.63 million) respectively of the total Moroccan exports.
