On Monday in Laayoune, a conference was organized to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the agreement establishing relations between Morocco and Senegal, with the presence of researchers, decision-makers, business people, and institutional actors from both countries.
This meeting, organized by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), in collaboration with the Timbuktu Institute – African Center for Peace Studies, based in Dakar, falls within the framework of commemorating the agreement signed in 1964 and ratified in 1965, which is considered one of the foundations of the exemplary partnership between the two African countries.
On this occasion, the Consul General of Senegal in Dakhla, Babou Sene, highlighted the distinctiveness and continuity of relations between Morocco and Senegal, "the two brotherly countries linked by history and geography."
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Consul General, Silev Diop, he affirmed that the agreement establishing relations between the two countries "laid the foundations of an exceptional relationship, and it remains an ideal model of cooperation that Africa desperately needs as a source of inspiration."
Mr. Sene pointed out that this conference coincides with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Green March, which still inspires the values of solidarity, steadfastness, and unity, and strengthens the commitment of the Moroccan people to peace and development.
He also explained that the legal framework for Moroccan-Senegalese cooperation currently includes about thirty agreements covering all economic, cultural, and scientific fields, which constitutes "a model of effective, solid, and forward-looking South-South cooperation."
The Consul General praised the shared vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, aimed at consolidating a strategic partnership between the two countries, for an integrated, sovereign, and prosperous Africa.
For his part, the President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Hicham El Habti, affirmed that celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of this agreement is an honor to a shared vision, the vision of two sister African countries, which, since the early years of their independence, have chosen the path of partnership, trust, and brotherhood.
He added that this founding agreement has since embodied the firm conviction that the fate of the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples will be more solid the more it is rooted in sharing knowledge, mutual recognition of competencies, and intellectual communication.
He said: "After sixty years, this conviction remains firm, and continues in our institutions, universities, laboratories, and joint projects."
Mr. El Habti shed light on the academic ties between the two countries, noting that about forty Senegalese students are currently studying at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, highlighting the vitality of scientific and educational cooperation between Rabat and Dakar.
For his part, the President of the Timbuktu Institute, Bakary Sambe, affirmed that this anniversary goes beyond merely commemorating a historical event to fall within the framework of transferring a shared heritage, which combines the memory of the past and the promises of the future.
Mr. Bakary Sambe expressed his great pride that this celebration is taking place in the city of Laayoune, "the symbolic city of a shared history," and at a strong moment that also coincides with the commemoration of the Green March, praising the developmental dynamics in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which "witnesses major transformations and amazing development that is globally recognized."
Sambe touched upon the main projects, foremost of which is the Dakhla Atlantic port, and investments in renewable energies, which, according to him, constitute "inspiring models of innovation in the entire African continent."
This meeting, which is considered a witness to bilateral cooperation, which over time has become one of the most sustainable African partnership models, was attended by the Governor of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdelsalam Bekrat, and a number of consuls general accredited in Laayoune.
(With MAP)
