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Join on Telegram Rabat – President Macky Sall of Senegal has highlighted the enduring bond with the Kingdom of Morocco in his address during the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the Festival national des arts et cultures (FESNAC).
The festival, attended by Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, showcased the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.
President Sall emphasized the extensive and diverse nature of the relationship between Senegal and Morocco. Describing Morocco as the honored guest for the 12th edition of FESNAC, Sall highlighted the longstanding traditions of friendship, brotherhood, spirituality, and economic collaboration that unite the two countries.
President Sall entrusted Minister Bensaid with conveying his warm regards and appreciation to King Mohammed VI for the sovereign’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the cultural domain.
Highlighting the cultural affinity between Senegal and Morocco, President Sall commended the outstanding performances by Moroccan artists in the genres of Gnaoua and Aïssawa during the opening ceremony at the Massène Sène Stadium in Fatick.
The cultural extravaganza commenced with the rendition of the national anthems of both Morocco and Senegal, with President Sall presiding over the event.
Dignitaries present included Prime Minister Amadou Ba, members of the Senegalese government, ministers representing neighboring countries, and the diplomatic corps accredited to Dakar, among them Ambassador Hassan Naciri representing King Mohammed VI.
This celebration of cultural exchange comes on the heels of President Sall’s acknowledgment of the historical significance of Senegal’s relationship with Morocco during the 9th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.
The Senegalese president lauded Morocco as Senegal’s primary economic partner on the continent, recognizing the indispensable role of diplomats in nurturing this profound bond.
Often hailed as the “Country of Teranga,” Senegal has become Morocco’s foremost client in West Africa, absorbing over 21% of the kingdom’s exports.
The economic collaboration between the two nations has experienced substantial growth, with an annual increase of 18.5% over the past two decades.
Beyond economic ties, the historical connection between Morocco and Senegal extends to Morocco’s pivotal support for Senegal’s entry into the United Nations in 1960, reflecting a partnership that transcends temporal boundaries.
The multifaceted cooperation between the two nations continues to expand across politics, diplomacy, economy, culture, and religion, reinforcing the enduring and strengthening bond between Senegal and Morocco.
