Rabat – The cities of Dakhla in Morocco and Columbus in Ohio took on Wednesday a significant step by signing a twinning agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
The agreement is aimed at fostering cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, from economic development to cultural exchange; it comes as anticipation builds for the opening of an American consulate in Dakhla.
Erragheb Hormatallah, President of the Dakhla Communal Council, and Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus and President of the US Conference of Mayors, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective cities.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of regional officials, including Ali Khalil, Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, and Jim Ross, Mayor of Arlington, Texas.
Ginther, who was visiting Dakhla for the first time, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership. “I am delighted to visit the city of Dakhla and engage directly with the Moroccan people, strengthening a relationship that will benefit both communities,” he told reporters.
Ginther also praised King Mohammed VI’s vision for the development of Morocco’s southern provinces, highlighting the potential for growth in the region.
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Erragheb Hormatallah, representing Dakhla, emphasized the importance of this agreement for both cities. “This twinning will create opportunities for the citizens of Dakhla and Columbus, particularly as we work together on key development projects,” Hormatallah said.
The agreement is seen as a gateway for collaborative efforts in fields such as education, environmental governance, and socio-economic development.
The twinning agreement reflects the commitment of both cities to deepen cooperation and mutual understanding, grounded in principles of respect, equality, and shared interests.
The focus on cultural exchange and capacity-building for future generations further reinforces the importance of the partnership.
This historic agreement follows the United States’ 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that solidified US support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
As part of this policy, former US President Donald Trump announced the future establishment of a US consulate in Dakhla to support economic and social development in the region.
Rooted in this evolving diplomatic context, the Dakhla-Columbus partnership is expected to contribute to broader international cooperation between Morocco and the United States, enhancing business opportunities and fostering lasting ties.
