Najib Balala: South-South Cooperation is a Unique Example of Morocco’s Commitment to Africa

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, said Monday in Nairobi that the South-South cooperation, advocated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, constitutes “a unique example of Morocco’s commitment to the benefit of the African continent.”

Balala stressed, in a video interview with Moroccan ambassador to Kenya, Mokhtar Gambo, the pivotal position and weighty presence of Morocco in Africa.

“Since Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017, Africa has become stronger and more independent,” Balala said, expressing his country’s full support for Morocco at the level of international bodies, including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary added, “our support for Morocco is dictated by our conviction that your country is the African pioneer in the field of tourism, and its experience is necessary to develop this sector in Kenya in particular and in East Africa in general.”

In this regard, he highlighted Morocco’ strengths saying, “I still cite Morocco as a reference, as it is a country that receives 13 million tourists annually thanks to its political stability, advanced infrastructure, dynamism and good governance”, and expressing his hope that Kenya will benefit from Morocco’s experience especially in the field of cultural tourism.

According to the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, “cultural tourism, which characterizes Morocco, constitutes an inspiration for us to preserve our culture in Kenya, especially in states where Muslims are strongly present such as Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu.”

Balala also took this opportunity to invite Moroccan investors in the tourism sector to invest in Kenya, stressing that his ministry is ready to accompany and provide assistance to all Moroccan investors interested in Kenya.