Morocco and Senegal held the 15th session of their Joint High Commission for Cooperation in Rabat on Thursday, as leaders from both countries emphasized the strength and longevity of their diplomatic partnership.
Moroccan head of government Aziz Akhannouch met with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, welcoming a delegation of ministers, diplomats and experts and describing the relationship as “old, deep and growing.”
Akhannouch said Morocco and Senegal are linked by history, trade, culture and faith, long before modern politics shaped the two nations. He pointed to historic trade routes across West Africa, many passing through Senegal, that helped establish lasting economic and human ties that continue to influence relations today.
He also highlighted the strong religious and spiritual connections between the two countries, including shared Sufi networks, and praised the Moroccan monarchy’s role in promoting dialogue and regional stability.
“Cooperation between Morocco and Senegal is natural and steady,” Akhannouch said, according to a statement released by the Moroccan government.
More than 140 cooperation agreements
The two countries now share more than 140 cooperation agreements across multiple sectors, and King Mohammed VI has visited Senegal several times, reflecting Morocco’s emphasis on the partnership.
The 15th session aimed to review progress since the last meeting and accelerate the implementation of joint projects. Akhannouch said several initiatives had advanced in the period between sessions but noted that more could be achieved, particularly by involving the private sector.
He called for stronger business ties, increased investment and higher trade flows between Moroccan and Senegalese companies.
Regional cooperation and strategic projects
Regional issues were also central to the talks, with both sides noting Africa’s challenges, especially in the Sahel and along the Atlantic coast, while also stressing opportunities for growth and cooperation.
Akhannouch referenced Morocco’s initiatives to help Sahel countries access the Atlantic, including the broader “Atlantic Africa” vision focused on energy, transport, health, environment and logistics. He also highlighted the Atlantic Africa gas pipeline project and said Senegal has a key role in its development.
Senegal reaffirms long-term friendship
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said his visit was not intended to address recent tensions but to reaffirm the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
“Sports emotions or temporary events should never define relations between two nations linked by trust, shared history, and long-term cooperation,” Sonko said.
He also presented Senegal’s new long-term development plan, Senegal 2050, describing Morocco as a key partner in its implementation. Sonko praised Moroccan companies operating in Senegal and promised fair treatment and open doors for future investment.
Both sides agreed to update their legal framework with new agreements and to continue building a partnership based on solidarity, respect and shared African priorities.
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