Burkina Faso reaffirms its position of support for the Kingdom of Morocco. The good relations between the African nations go beyond the economic sphere. This was made clear by Daouda Diallo on his latest visit to Rabat, where he met with Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he confirmed that the Moroccan ownership of the Sahara is “non-negotiable”. Describing this support as unwavering and firm, the Burkina Faso diplomat also underlined that relations between the two countries are in good health.
Burkinabe officials praised Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “best solution” to end the conflict in Western Sahara. Diallo also praised King Mohammed VI’s proposal to launch an international initiative to promote access for landlocked Sahelian countries to the Atlantic. The King made this suggestion in his speech commemorating the 48th anniversary of the Green March.
Western Sahara has many natural resources such as cement, oil, fish and sand needed to produce the phosphates used by Morocco. North West Africa’s phosphates and rare earths are extremely important to China, as evidenced by trade agreements in the Maghreb region. More than 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves are found in Morocco, and Algeria ranks fourth in the world.
In his speech, the King reiterated his concern about the challenges in the Sahel region, including security threats. “The King’s speech emphasised the King’s interest in landlocked countries,” Diallo said, stressing the importance of access to ports to achieve economic development. “We hope that the Atlantic coast will become the highest point of the human community, a centre of economic integration and a centre of continental and international influence,” said King Mohammed VI.
Diallo highlighted the excellent relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso and said his country welcomed the decision given the current economic difficulties. He also acknowledged Morocco’s rapid development under King Mohammed VI and praised Morocco’s efforts to help Burkina Faso overcome its difficulties. The Burkinabe diplomats also praised Morocco’s responsible approach to dealing with the aftermath of the Al-Haouz earthquake, saying it was a good example for Africa and the world.
The significant lack of infrastructure and investment on the Atlantic coast of the African continent is a serious problem. In an exercise of consensus, Morocco is working with its African neighbours to improve this problem. Not only did it talk with Burkina Faso, but projects with energy powers such as Nigeria are also part of a development process in the region, which Morocco is spearheading.
The King of Morocco said: “The solution to the challenges and problems facing our brotherly countries in the Sahel region cannot be the solution through security or military alone, but must be based on avenues of cooperation and common development”, and he added: “The solution to the challenges and problems facing our brotherly countries in the Sahel region cannot be the solution through security or military alone, but must be based on avenues of cooperation and common development”.
Source: Atalayar
