Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, received today, Friday, in the city of Laayoune, his Zambian counterpart Mulambo Haimbe, who delivered a written message from Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, addressed to King Mohammed VI.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, was an opportunity to recall the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Zambia and to confirm the strategic partnership that unites the two brotherly countries.
The first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Morocco and Zambia, chaired by the two ministers, saw the signing of seven agreements covering vital areas, including tourism, renewable energy, vocational training, justice, investment, and higher education.
This step, which the electronic newspaper Hespress documented in its entirety, aims to open new horizons for cooperation, in line with the shared vision of the leaders of the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations.
On the occasion of the first session of the Joint Commission, Nasser Bourita expressed his pride in the strong fraternal relations that unite the two countries, stressing the Kingdom of Morocco's keenness to strengthen these relations to achieve shared goals and aspirations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates confirmed that "the opening of the Consulate General of Zambia in the city of Laayoune in October 2020 and the withdrawal of recognition of the phantom republic, which had lasted since 1979, are prominent diplomatic steps that embody the strength of the relations between the two countries."
The Moroccan government official added that "such initiatives confirm Zambia's support for the Moroccan Sahara and reflect a clear political will to strengthen South-South cooperation, in line with the Kingdom of Morocco's vision of opening up to its African partners and its leading role in supporting development and stability on the continent."
In a joint statement issued after the session, the Zambian Foreign Minister reiterated his country's position supporting Morocco's territorial integrity and its sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The Zambian diplomat also praised the leading role of King Mohammed VI in promoting the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as a realistic and practical solution to the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.
The holding of the Joint Commission in Laayoune confirms Morocco's keenness to strengthen South-South cooperation and its leading role in supporting development in Africa, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations with the Republic of Zambia and the shared interest in developing a strong partnership that includes various priority areas for both parties.
It is worth noting that the first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Morocco and Zambia, hosted by the city of Laayoune, was attended by Abdeslam Bekrate, Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid, President of the Municipal Council of Laayoune, Blahi Abad, Vice President of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, Hassan Abou El Dahab, Wali of Security of Laayoune, along with a number of political and military figures and directors of external services.
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