Rabat – Morocco is an “essential partner” for the countries of the Sahel, including those of the Sahel States Confederation, affirmed Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, on Friday in Casablanca.
Speaking at a gathering focused on the future prospects for Africa, held as part of the Crans Montana Forum, the Nigerien diplomat commended King Mohammed VI’s initiative aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic, seeing it as significant support for the landlocked nations of the region.
“Morocco has offered us the opportunity to access the sea, providing a new way for us to participate in the global market,” he stated, recalling the North African country’s support in other areas crucial for the countries of the Confederation.
Meanwhile, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, who spoke at the same event, praised Morocco’s “constructive and respectful approach” in its relations with African partners, as demonstrated by the Royal Atlantic Initiative.
“We welcome and share this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our major projects aimed at industrializing and transforming our countries’ economies,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with regional and international partners to promote sustainable and integrated development in the Sahel region.
He added that structural programs, particularly in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and the financial sector, “will establish essential platforms to connect our countries sustainably to the regional and global economy.”
The Crans Montana Forum (FCM) 2025 commenced on Friday in Casablanca under the theme “International Trade in Africa: Maritime Safety and Security of Ports and Navigable Routes”.
This two-day event marks the first in a series of high-level forums planned in Morocco, aligned with the Royal Initiative to enhance Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
