Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said Monday that the kingdom’s ties with Senegal are based on “solid foundations” spanning humanitarian, religious and economic links, and that the relationship is neither new nor temporary but rooted in centuries of shared history.
Speaking at the opening of the 15th session of the Morocco-Senegal High Joint Committee in Rabat, Akhannouch said historical trade routes connecting Morocco to deep Africa played a central role in strengthening the bond between the two countries, noting that these routes passed through Senegal and fostered economic and human interaction over centuries.
“This commercial extension helped establish a deep cultural and social exchange, making the relationship between Morocco and Senegal natural and enduring, not born out of momentary alliances,” he said. He added that the religious and spiritual dimension, particularly the role of the Tijaniyya Sufi order and the “Emir of the Faithful,” has also been a key pillar of the partnership.
Akhannouch said the period between the last session and the current one saw the implementation of several cooperation programs across various sectors, allowing for greater diversification and strengthening of bilateral collaboration. He said the partnership has become a model of African cooperation, built on solidarity and mutual respect, and that relations improved notably after the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Despite the extensive legal framework governing bilateral relations, Akhannouch said accelerating cooperation and current regional and international developments require updating and strengthening existing agreements. He also called for renewed momentum and greater private-sector involvement from both countries to boost investment and trade.
The prime minister said Monday’s meeting would provide an opportunity to reinvigorate economic ties between Moroccan and Senegalese actors, especially through signing agreements in priority sectors such as investment, entrepreneurship, agriculture, infrastructure, fisheries and aquaculture, vocational training, maritime rescue, health, youth, justice and social security.
He stressed that despite the major multi-dimensional challenges facing Africa, the continent remains a source of optimism because of its expected growth prospects. He welcomed the shared vision of both countries to accelerate continental integration based on solidarity and shared economic and social development, and noted their alignment on strategic issues.
Akhannouch pointed to shared geopolitical challenges, especially in the Sahel and Atlantic coastal states, and said Morocco and Senegal must work on a comprehensive regional strategy guided by commitment and solidarity. He highlighted King Mohammed VI’s initiatives, including a strategic plan aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing it as part of Morocco’s active solidarity with African nations.
He also referenced the “Atlantic Initiative,” describing it as a potential region for shared growth and stability that could promote integration among member countries in strategic areas such as the environment, food security, health, energy, logistics, resource aggregation and knowledge exchange. Akhannouch said the African Atlantic gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco remains a symbol of South-South cooperation, adding that Senegal plays a key role in the project.
On the issue of Morocco’s territorial integrity, Akhannouch thanked Senegal for its strong support within continental and international organizations for Morocco’s position and its sovereignty over Western Sahara. He praised Senegal’s backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan, which was endorsed by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2797, describing it as the only viable solution to the regional dispute.
Akhannouch also emphasized Morocco’s comprehensive vision on youth and sports, noting that sports are not merely competitive or recreational but a tool for human and economic development and a bridge between cultures and nations. He said Morocco’s hosting of the recent Africa Cup of Nations marked a significant milestone and showcased the country’s progress, led by a long-term royal vision. He added that Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, aiming to promote Africa’s global image and demonstrate the continent’s ability to host major international events.
He concluded by saying Morocco and Senegal will remain major African nations committed to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and mutual respect. Akhannouch also praised the Moroccan community in Senegal and the Senegalese community in Morocco for enriching the bilateral partnership and strengthening ties between the two friendly nations.
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