New York: FM highlights royal vision for a more integrated, resilient & prosperous Sahel

Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, highlighted on Friday in New York the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to support Sahel countries in their efforts to promote security, development and prosperity.

Speaking at a high-level event on “Security and Development in the Sahel”, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Bourita recalled the deep historical ties linking Morocco with the countries of the Sahel through routes crossing the Moroccan Sahara, trade, exchanges, as well as a shared human and spiritual heritage.

He stressed that these ties are a living bond between peoples and a foundation for building a common future.

He also noted that the Sahel cannot and should not be viewed solely through the prism of its challenges, highlighting the region’s considerable potential, particularly its young population, natural resources and opportunities in the agricultural, energy and mining sectors.

“The challenge is to turn this potential into concrete opportunities for the benefit of the peoples of the Sahel,” the minister stressed, highlighting the Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating the access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, which is intended to substantially transform the economies of these brotherly countries and the region as a whole.

Bourita also reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment alongside the countries of the Sahel, in a spirit of solidarity, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for sovereignty and national choices, as well as cooperation, while fully taking into account the priorities of these brotherly countries.

The minister said that Morocco’s commitment to the countries of the Sahel is not simply a partnership, but a commitment “deeply rooted in history, nourished by bonds of brotherhood and oriented towards a shared future.”