Gambian FM: Morocco Is a Pioneer of South-South Cooperation

Rabat – Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara has hailed Morocco as a “pioneering nation” and a “leader” in advancing South-South cooperation throughout Africa.

In a statement to MAP celebrating the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s reign, Tangara lauded the King’s steadfast dedication to building resolute cooperative ties among African nations.

In particular, Tangara stressed Morocco’s deep commitment to bolstering African nations’ potential and advancing human capital, both of which are vital for the continent’s development.

Gambia’s foreign minister emphasized that the Atlantic Initiative, spearheaded by King Mohammed VI with international backing, embodies the ambition to create “an African space for development, solidarity, and stability.”

The Atlantic initiative was introduced last year during a ministerial coordination meeting held in Marrakech on December 23. Attending the event were delegations from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad.

The initiative seeks to revitalize the Sahel region through significant investments in infrastructure, technological innovations, and progressive policies, all while creating a favorable environment for foreign investment.

“Gambia praises this royal initiative aimed at creating a space for development, solidarity, and stability. Africa desperately needs such a space,” Tangara added.

Sustainable development is central to the initiative, with Morocco having made substantial investments in solar and wind energy projects to speed up the region’s shift to renewable energy.

In 2024, Morocco launched the operational phase of the initiative, focusing on transforming Sahel countries.

Tangara concluded by expressing that his country fully supports this fruitful initiative, which seeks to address development challenges facing Africa.

Launched by King Mohammed VI, the project reflects his vision of improving Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic, striving to promote a more prosperous Africa and strengthen South-South cooperation.

In May 2024, Tangara and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, inaugurated the Moroccan embassy in Banjul, The Gambia’s capital city.

This mirrored the rapidly improving bilateral relations between the two countries as Morocco continues to position itself as a pan-African leader and reliable partner for African prosperity.