Rabat – King Mohammed VI welcomed on Monday the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
The visit brought together Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, and Bakary Yaou Sangare, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger’s transitional government.
The audience reflected the depth of Morocco’s long-standing relations with the three Sahel countries, founded on genuine bilateral ties, mutual respect, and a spirit of active solidarity.
The ministers conveyed heartfelt messages from their Heads of State, who expressed gratitude for King Mohammed VI’s constant attention to the Sahel’s needs and aspirations.
In their remarks, the ministers commended the King’s initiative to open Atlantic access to Sahel countries, describing it as a decisive step toward greater economic opportunity and regional integration.
They also voiced strong support for the project and affirmed their readiness to work towards its swift materialization.
The ministers presented an update on the development of the Alliance of Sahel States. They outlined the efforts underway to strengthen the alliance’s institutional and operational foundations, positioning it as a key platform for cooperation among the three countries.
This meeting reaffirmed Morocco’s role as a trusted partner in the region and underlined a shared determination to pursue deeper integration and sustainable development across the Sahel.
Earlier this week, Niger’s Foreign Minister called Morocco an “essential partner” for Sahel countries, including those in the Sahel States Confederation, during a gathering at the Crans Montana Forum in Casablanca.
He commended King Mohammed VI’s initiative to grant Sahel nations access to the Atlantic, highlighting its importance for the region’s landlocked countries. Mali’s Foreign Minister also lauded Morocco’s “constructive and respectful approach” in its relations with African partners, particularly through the Royal Atlantic Initiative.
