Rabat – Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its “firm and constant” support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity across its entire territory, including the Sahara region.
The position was expressed in a joint statement issued after a meeting between Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mohamed Rahman Swarray and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Sierra Leone also reiterated its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, presented in 2007, describing it as “the only serious, credible and realistic basis” for a final settlement of the regional dispute over the Sahara.
Morocco, Sierra Leone seek stronger bilateral cooperation
During the meeting, Bourita and Swarray welcomed what they described as the strong relations between Morocco and Sierra Leone, which are based on mutual respect, friendship, and solidarity.
The two ministers expressed their shared intention to give new momentum to bilateral ties in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
As part of this effort, the two countries agreed to develop a structured and action-oriented roadmap to expand, deepen, and diversify bilateral cooperation.
Swarray is also set to visit Morocco in October at Bourita’s invitation. The exact date will be determined through diplomatic channels.
The two sides said they seek to orient their partnership toward “shared prosperity,” with a focus on sectors identified as priorities by Sierra Leone. These include trade, agriculture, fertilizers, investment, water management, maritime fishing, mining, culture, and capacity building.
Sierra Leone welcomes Morocco’s Atlantic initiatives
Sierra Leone also welcomed Morocco’s strategic initiatives aimed at advancing development and regional integration in Africa.
These include the Atlantic African States Initiative and the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the joint statement, the initiatives can contribute to stronger regional integration, connectivity, and sustainable development while promoting stability, shared prosperity, and active solidarity.
The two sides also pointed to the strategic importance of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, citing its potential contribution to regional economic integration and its expected benefits for participating countries, including Sierra Leone.
They welcomed the signing of the intergovernmental agreement on the project during the ordinary summit of African heads of state and government held in Freetown in July.
The two countries said the major infrastructure project could help unlock the region’s industrial potential and reduce its energy deficit.
