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Rabat – A recent phone conversation between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu, described by both sides as exceedingly productive, illuminated the two nations’ excellent bilateral cooperation and their shared priorities.
In particular, the conversation also saw expressions of gratitude for the vital role played by Moroccan intelligence services in the successful release of Romanian national Loan Ghergut
The breakthrough was revealed on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, when the Romanian government confirmed the release of Julian Gergot, a 47-year-old Romanian national who had been abducted on April 4, 2015, while working at a manganese mine in northeastern Burkina Faso, an area notorious for its instability due to the presence of extremist groups.
Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu took to the social media platform X to express her satisfaction with the outcome and highlight the close cooperation between Morocco and Romania.
Read also: Romania Thanks Morocco Following Release of Citizen Kidnapped in Burkina Faso
The al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Al-Mourabitoun, had claimed responsibility for Julian Gergot’s abduction. His release marks a significant development in the Sahel region, where extremist groups have posed serious security challenges. Gergot is believed to be one of the last Western hostages held in this volatile part of Africa.
In their phone conversation, Bourita and his Romanian counterpart laid the foundation for enhanced bilateral cooperation. They underscored shared priorities, acknowledged the crucial role of Moroccan intelligence services in securing the release of Ghergut, and agreed that the cooperative efforts between Romania and Morocco stand as a testament to effective international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
