HIBAPRESS
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, affirmed that the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Jo Bernardo Vieira, to the Kingdom of Morocco, falls within the framework of participation in the ministerial meeting on peace and security in the Francophone space, and was an opportunity to hold bilateral talks between the two sides.
Bourita explained, during a press statement following the meeting held in Rabat, that the discussions were an opportunity to emphasize the strength of the historical relations between Morocco and Guinea-Bissau, which witnessed a strong boost following the visit of King Mohammed VI to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in June 2015, which was considered a pivotal station in the path of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The Moroccan official pointed out that the meeting addressed ways to activate the various agreements and cooperation mechanisms that were agreed upon since that visit, in a way that enhances the bilateral partnership and opens new horizons for cooperation between Rabat and Bissau. The two sides also touched on developments in the situation in Guinea-Bissau, where Morocco reiterated its emphasis on the principles upon which its approach to African issues is based, foremost of which is non-interference in the internal affairs of countries and respect for their sovereignty and national choices, in accordance with the vision established by King Mohammed VI. Bourita affirmed Morocco's confidence in the ability of the living forces within Guinea-Bissau to find a political path that achieves stability and development and respects the aspirations of the Guinean-Bissau people, stressing that African cooperation must remain based on solidarity and friendship between peoples and countries, away from the influence of internal political developments. In a related context, the two sides discussed a number of African initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, at the forefront of which is the Atlantic Initiative for African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to the African gas pipeline project, considering Guinea-Bissau as one of the countries concerned with these strategic projects, with Morocco valuing the support provided by Bissau for these initiatives. The Moroccan minister also expressed the Kingdom's thanks to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for its steadfast and supportive position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara within various regional and international forums, as well as through its diplomatic moves in support of Rabat's positions. Bourita concluded his statement by welcoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, stressing the continuation of work and joint coordination during the meeting expected tomorrow.
