The fraternal and strategic ties between Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, which have led to an exceptional and multidimensional partnership between the two countries, were highlighted in Abidjan.
On this occasion, an academic meeting focusing on the Kingdom’s African policy, with a particular emphasis on relations between Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, was recently organized, in the presence of Morocco’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Abdelmalek Kettani.
Kettani recalled, in this regard, that Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco have been cooperating for over 60 years in a spirit of mutually beneficial economic and political partnership, with a particular focus on diplomatic, political, economic, social, cultural, technical, and educational aspects.
« This longstanding partnership, which dates back to the era of the late King Hassan II and the first Ivorian President, the late Félix Houphouët-Boigny, has been further developed and strengthened by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara. It now serves as a compelling example of mutually beneficial South-South cooperation for sustainable development, » Kettani said.
This strategic partnership stems from a « common, » « unique, » and « shared » vision of the two Heads of State, advocating for development and the well-being of their populations, he noted, adding that this partnership is structured around several key areas.
It consists of concrete and sustainable projects, an alliance reinforced by dozens of agreements across all sectors, and a shared belief in a common future, strengthened by the close collaboration of elites from both nations, he added.
Kettani also welcomed Côte d’Ivoire’s continuous support for Morocco within international and continental organizations, as well as its key role in Morocco’s return to the African Union in January 2017. He stressed that Côte d’Ivoire was among the first brotherly and friendly nations to open a consulate in Laayoune in February 2020.
On the economic front, he highlighted that, thanks to Royal visits to Côte d’Ivoire and His Majesty’s decisive impetus, major Moroccan companies have been investing in key sectors of the Ivorian economy since 2011-2013. He noted that « Morocco’s foreign direct investments (FDI) in sub-Saharan Africa have seen significant growth in recent years. »
In addition, Morocco’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire underscored the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and Côte d’Ivoire in security, counterterrorism, and peacekeeping.
