Morocco-Côte d’Ivoire Strong Bilateral Relations: A Model In African Continent – OpEd

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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has arrived in Abidjan for a “working and friendship” visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The visit will be followed by the King’s participation in the upcoming 5th EU-AU Summit.

All of King Mohammed VI’s visits to Côte d’Ivoire aim to shape a project for a shared future, and the two countries work tirelessly to maintain and cement the indissoluble bonds which unite them, in order to give this fraternity the brightest, most tangible illustration.

It is worth reminding that at the Moroccan-Ivorian Economic Forum, held in Abidjan in February 2014, King Mohammed VI laid out a compelling vision for Africa’s development – He said that “This objective [prosperity for future generations] will even be more readily attainable when Africa overcomes its Afro-pessimism and unlocks its intellectual and material potential as well as that of all African peoples. Just imagine what our continent will look like, once it frees itself of its constraints and burdens

The Moroccan monarch stated that “Sustainable development is not something which can be achieved through decisions and ready-made prescriptions,” he said. “Nor is there a single model in this area. Each country follows a path of its own, having taken into consideration its historical development, cultural heritage, human and natural resources, specific political circumstances, as well as its economic choices and the obstacles and challenges facing it.”

In fact, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire have recently moved to significantly upgrade their bilateral  ties. Over the past several years, the two countries have entered into a number of important political and economic agreements, transforming their already excellent bilateral relationship into one more characteristic of allied partners.  No bilateral relationship may be better positioned to take advantage of that mindset than the Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire bilateral. By making tangible progress on transactions that seek to realize the full potential of security and economic cooperation, the two nations vowed to bring further meaning to a strategic partnership painstakingly built over the past several years.

King Mohammed VI’s current visit is a powerful sign that Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are working to relaunch their partnership. This is a momentous occasion.

Morocco will keep working constructively with Côte d’Ivoire to further strengthen their relations, achieve mutual benefits and contribute to reaching their shared goal: to make Africa the most prosperous and competitive continent in the world.

Undoubtedly the two countries will continue to enhance their close collaboration to advance their shared objectives, while ensuring that their bilateral relationship continues to be at its best, with a broader agenda than ever. This vital junction for Morocco- Côte d’Ivoire relations will translate into more and better opportunities for the two countries.

Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are going through one of the best moments of their relationship. The ties that link them,  as well as the values and principles they share, make it stronger every day. We are witnessing a historical moment characterized by both countries’ political willingness to further strengthen their ties and deepen their strategic dialogue under a renewed perspective.

King Mohammed VI’s current visit to Côte d’Ivoire confirms once more the close friendship between people and governments of the two nations.  Apparently, there are high expectations from both sides as Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are looking forward to boost investment opportunities and therefore set a successful model of south-south cooperation in Africa.

Said Temsamani

Said Temsamani is a Moroccan political observer and consultant, who follows events in his country and across North Africa. He is a member of Washington Press Club.

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