Rabat – Morocco is spearheading efforts to provide landlocked Sahel nations with access to the Atlantic Ocean, a move aimed at enhancing economic connectivity and regional cooperation.
On Friday, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, met in New York with his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad to further the operationalization of this ambitious project.
This initiative, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI during a speech on November 6, 2023, commemorating the 48th anniversary of the Green March, seeks to facilitate better access for the Sahelian countries to the Atlantic Ocean.
At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the foreign ministers praised the work carried out by national task forces from Morocco, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad following their first gathering in Rabat in June.
“This meeting enabled the National Task Forces to examine the projects proposed by Morocco within the framework of this International Initiative,” said the joint statement, adding that these projects align with each nation’s development plans.
The ministers lauded the progress made so far, noting the project’s potential to transform the region. “The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad agreed to meet in the near future to pursue the operationalization of the International Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” the statement continued.
In addition to discussing individual projects, the meeting also highlighted efforts to integrate the Royal Initiative with the Confederation of Sahel States, a newly formed coalition aimed at regional cooperation on shared challenges.
“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger presented the steps taken within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States,” the statement noted.
The ministers reiterated their countries’ commitment to supporting the initiative within the broader framework of the Confederation.
“The adhesion, involvement, and support of their countries to the operationalization of the International Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI will henceforth take place within the framework of the said Confederation,” the statement added.
While discussions move forward, the foreign ministers plan to reconvene to ensure the continued progress of the initiative and to explore further opportunities for collaboration.
