HM the King’s Atlantic Initiative Stems from Morocco’s Will to Promote Sahel’s Co-development – Niger’s FM –

HM King Mohammed VI’s International Initiative to Enhance Atlantic Ocean Access for Sahel Countries stems from Morocco’s will to promote co-development of the African continent in general, and the Sahel in particular, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, said Saturday in Marrakech.    Niger provides its “full support for this laudable initiative which strengthens our convictions and the hope of our populations for the well-being to which they legitimately aspire,” Sangaré said during the Ministerial Coordination Meeting on HM the King’s Initiative to Enhance Atlantic Ocean Access for Sahel Countries, which also brings together Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad.    In this regard, the head of Nigerien diplomacy noted that the Royal Speech addressed to the Nation on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, in which the Sovereign announced this Initiative, “once again reflects the great vision” of HM King Mohammed VI for Pan-Africanism.    “We hope that this Royal Initiative will offer real opportunities for the exploitation, transformation and commercialization of our resources, and for the acceleration of regional connectivity and trade flows for the shared prosperity of Morocco and Sahel countries”, he said.    Sangaré pointed out that the Royal Initiative is in line with the integration momentum launched by Sahel States, in particular through the upgrading of their infrastructures and their connection to transport and communication networks established in their regional environment, noting that thanks to the efforts of Morocco and regional countries, the Sahel “will no longer be a zone of instability but rather a zone of prosperity”.    The Nigerien minister also praised the continued support provided to his country by Morocco, “a true friend of Niger, a friend of all times”.    Initiated by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, this meeting is also attended by Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, and Director General of Africa and African Integration at the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chadians Abroad and International Cooperation, Abakar Kourma.    HM the King’s international Initiative to Enhance Atlantic Ocean Access for Sahel Countries is part of the continued efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, for a prosperous Africa.    It presents unprecedented opportunities to tailor solutions, fostering regional integration, economic transformation in these partner countries, and an improved quality of life for the Sahel-Saharan population. This approach, rooted in innovation and integration, aims to promote stability and security in the region.