Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, expressed Friday in Dakhla the full support of Morocco for Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

At a joint press conference with his Burkinabe counterpart, Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, at the conclusion of the 4th session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Commission, Bourita stated, “Morocco firmly condemns the cowardly attacks that have targeted Burkina Faso, a brotherly country, and which are contrary to the spirit of tolerance and coexistence that has always marked this country.

Given that over 60% of all terrorist activities worldwide take place in sub-Saharan Africa, he noted that the situation in Burkina Faso is intimately related to the unrest in the Sahel and Sahara region, where armed and terrorist groups have discovered fertile ground for their expansion.

He lamented the fact that more people have fallen victim to terrorist attacks in this area than in the Middle East or Southeast Asia.

“Today, there are at least 12 terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and Sahara region, colluding with 19 separatist groups that threaten the territorial integrity of African countries,” he stressed, noting that the scourge of terrorist group infiltration into Africa is a general phenomenon.

Burkina Faso, which is in the firing line, needs support and backing, given that the fight against terrorism in this country will have an impact on the entire Sahel and West Africa region, he added.

The Kingdom, which has made the fight against extremism and terrorism an absolute priority, continues to call on the international community to pay particular attention to this scourge, by supporting the measures and actions taken by African countries faced with this phenomenon, according to a holistic and innovative approach combining humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding, with a view to putting an end to the phenomenon of terrorism and violent extremism, he underlined.

Bourita affirmed that Morocco is following with interest the development of the transition process in Burkina Faso, and has confidence in the ability of the country’s leaders to deal with all developments in the country with wisdom and with the supreme national interest in mind, stressing that the measures taken in recent months by president Ibrahim Traoré are important for strengthening stability and relaunching the development process in this brotherly country.

After emphasizing that the transition process is moving forward, Bourita stated that Morocco continues to hold the view that elections are not held in order to achieve stability but rather as a means to that end. She added that holding elections in the absence of security and ongoing attacks is absurd.

In this regard, he applauded the Burkinabe authorities’ prudence, stating that Morocco is pleased and that the Kingdom is once more expressing its complete solidarity with Burkina Faso at this time.

“Working to strengthen state structures and interact with humanitarian needs demonstrates the existence of a sincere will to get Burkina Faso out of this difficult situation,” he continued, highlighting Morocco’s readiness to support the development program launched by H.E. president Ibrahim Traoré through support and the exchange of expertise, with the goal of achieving the desired results.

Burkina Faso has demonstrated remarkable stability and steadfastness in this particular situation, continued Bourita, who expressed confidence that this nation, with its leadership, its resources, the tenacity of its people, and the support of its allies, is able to overcome the challenges it is currently facing.

Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Expatriates, and Olivia Ragnaghnèwendé Rouamba, the Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, jointly presided over the opening of the fourth session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission in Dakhla.

In accordance with the guidelines established by the Heads of State of the two countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency president Ibrahim Traoré, this session provided an opportunity to explore new horizons for strengthening cooperation relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso and to develop fruitful partnerships in a wide range of fields.

The meeting, which was attended by the ambassador, the director general of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), and officials from a number of departments, ended with the signing of 12 agreements that covered a range of bilateral cooperation topics.

Read Also: Morocco, Burkina Faso Sign Various Agreements at 4th Joint Commission in Dakhla

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Dakhla – Friday saw the signing of a number of bilateral agreements during the fourth session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Commission, which was co-chaired by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates, and Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, her Burkina Faso counterpart.

An agreement on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters was signed by the two parties. Its goals include applying both nations’ customs laws, preventing, investigating, and prosecuting customs offenses, and guaranteeing the security of global supply chains.

The pact also aims to increase cooperation between the two nations through the sharing of technological expertise, risk analysis and management techniques, and technology for auto valuation.

The General Conditions for the Transfer of a Person Sentenced in the Territory of One Party to the Territory of Another Party are established by the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

These requirements are based, among other things, on the actions or inactions that resulted in the conviction, the length of the sentence, the parties’ agreement to the transfer, etc.

Additionally, the two nations agreed to an action plan in the area of justice for the years 2024–2025. This plan aims to foster judicial cooperation between the justice ministries of the two nations by exchanging knowledge, providing training, hosting workshops, and exchanging legislation.

They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Integrated Water Resources Management, in which they commit to strengthen and develop cooperation in the field of integrated water resources management through the exchange of visits of experts and executives to learn about the experiences of both parties, the exchange of information and documents, and the organization of meetings and seminars between the parties on topics of common interest.

The two ministers also signed a decentralized cooperation agreement aimed at creating a favourable framework for promoting decentralized cooperation between the local authorities of Burkina Faso and Morocco, on the one hand, and establishing partnerships between the public structures in charge of supporting local authorities and decentralization in the two countries, on the other.

They also signed a decentralized cooperation roadmap for 2023-2025, with the aim of creating a framework conducive to the establishment of cooperative relations (twinning and partnership) between the local authorities of the two countries, in accordance with the terms set out in the attached table.

In order to boost both countries’ economies and mutual knowledge of their different national cultures, the agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the tourism industry through the development and expansion of their current tourism partnerships.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Sports was also signed by the two parties. This document outlines the framework for programs of cooperation in the fields of sports and leisure that are based on reciprocity and aims to foster and facilitate communication and cooperation between the sports organizations of the two nations.

A Memorandum of Understanding covering several areas of cooperation between the two parties (educational and pedagogical innovation, system reform, management of educational projects and programs, and enhancing retention in educational systems) was signed in the field of education and training at the same time.

A cooperation agreement in the field of higher education, scientific research and innovation was also signed, in which the parties undertake to intensify their technical and scientific cooperation with a view to increasing the mobility of actors in the field of higher education, scientific research and innovation, through the mobility of teachers, specialists and researchers, the exchange of information on national procedures and regulations concerning the equivalence and recognition of diplomas, scientific titles and university degrees awarded by higher education and scientific research institutions, etc.

In addition, the two parties have signed a framework cooperation agreement on academic scholarships, internships and exchange of expertise, through which they undertake to further promote their cooperation in the cultural, scientific, technical and socio-economic fields through the exchange of students, experience and information, and the granting of scholarships.

For the academic years 2023–2024, 2024–2025, and 2025–2026, the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation will make a total of 130 scholarships available to Burkina Faso, with 100 scholarships falling under the official quota and 30 additional scholarships for the southern region of the Kingdom of Morocco.

A partnership cooperation agreement between the Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies (AMED) and the Institut des Hautes Études Internationales (INHEI) of Burkina Faso was also signed by the two ministers. This agreement aims to develop and strengthen a strategic partnership between INHEI and AMED in areas of shared interest relating to international law, diplomacy, international relations, and all other topics related to diplomacy and international relations.

Read Also: Burkina Faso Applauds Morocco’s Constant Efforts, Under the Wise and Enlightened Leadership of HM the King, to Promote Peace and Development in Africa

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Dakhla – On Friday, Burkina Faso welcomed Morocco’s ongoing initiatives to advance peace and prosperity in Africa, which are being led by His Majesty the King, a wise and enlightened leader.

“The Burkinabe side welcomed the constant efforts made by Morocco, under the wise and enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help him, to promote peace and development in Africa,” states the joint statement released at the conclusion of the fourth Joint Cooperation Commission session, held in Dakhla under the joint presidency of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita and his Burkinabe counterpart.

The two ministers emphasized that the Sahel area in particular and the Kingdom of Morocco in general both share the ambition to maintain peace and stability on the African continent.

In addition, they expressed satisfaction at how their opinions on the many topics were converging, and they reaffirmed their commitment to taking part in attempts to settle disputes in Africa.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is currently being implemented, and all sides reaffirmed the commitment of their leaders to collaborate in order to bring about long-term peace and economic growth on the continent of Africa.

As for Morocco, Bourita stressed that Burkina Faso will always find a partner in Morocco who is steadfastly committed to promoting and supporting its initiatives for stability and development. He also expressed Morocco’s full solidarity with Burkina Faso in its unwavering efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Rouamba praised Morocco for its steadfastness and assistance in helping Burkina Faso in the face of security and humanitarian issues.

Along with praising each other’s support for one another in continental and international fora, the two parties agreed to step up conversations in an effort to bring their viewpoints closer together.

They acknowledged their satisfaction with each other’s unwavering support of one another in numerous continental and worldwide platforms.

To achieve this, the two parties decided to continue supporting Morocco’s and Burkina Faso’s bids for these organisations in a coordinated and reciprocal way.

Read Also: Burkina Faso Reaffirms Support for Kingdom’s Territorial Integrity, for Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as ‘Only Credible and Realistic Solution’ to Sahara Question

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Burkina Faso reiterated its support for the autonomy plan proposition put out by Morocco on Friday, stating that it is “the only credible and realistic solution” to the Moroccan Sahara problem.

Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, the head of Burkina Faso’s diplomacy, also reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s “firm and constant” support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco in the joint statement released at the conclusion of the Joint Cooperation Commission’s fourth meeting, which was co-chaired by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Expatriates, and Rouamba.

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She emphasized that it is consistent with Burkina Faso’s historical position for a consulate general to open on October 23, 2020 in Dakhla.

The Minister of Burkina Faso also commended the UN’s efforts as the exclusive and agreed-upon forum for settling the Sahara conflict in a reasonable, workable, and long-lasting manner.

Read Also: Dakhla Hosts 4th Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission

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Dakhla – The 4th Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission took place there on Friday. Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and expatriates, and Olivia Ragnaghnèwendé Rouamba, the Burkinabe minister, shared the chairmanship.

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In accordance with the guidelines established by the Heads of State of the two countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Ibrahim Traoré, this session is an opportunity to examine new horizons for consolidating cooperation relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso and to establish fruitful partnerships in a wide range of fields.

Twelve agreements spanning various areas of bilateral cooperation were signed at the Joint Commission’s fourth session, which was attended by representatives from several departments.

Read Also: Libyan “6+6” Commission’s Meeting in Bouznika: African Union Congratulates Morocco

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The two Moroccan cyclists who went missing near the Burkina Faso-Niger border were located on Saturday. An armed gang abducted the two Moroccans near the boundaries of the two nations.

The two men, Abderrahmane Serhani and Driss Fatihi, who were abducted on April 1 by an armed group close to the Niger and Burkina Faso borders, have now been freed.

Their freedom was made possible by the security collaboration between Morocco and Nigeria, which took approximately 4 weeks to locate the location where the kidnappers were imprisoning them.

Despite being under medical observation, they are safe and healthy and soon will return to Morocco. According to reliable sources, the two Moroccans are now in Niamey.

Read Also: King sends order of the day to Royal Armed Forces on 67th Anniversary of FAR creation

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, stressed on Wednesday in Rabat that Morocco supports the stability of Burkina Faso, especially in this particular phase of its history.

Speaking at a press briefing after he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad, Olivia Ragnaghnèwendé Rouamba, Bourita said that the Kingdom is confident in the ability of the Burkinabe people and its forces to take the necessary measures to preserve national unity, stability and security in this brotherly African country.

In this regard, the minister said HM King Mohammed VI has always stressed the importance of solid relations between the two peoples and brotherly countries, based on solidarity and fruitful cooperation, recalling the High Royal Instructions to provide medical support to Burkina Faso during the Covid-19 pandemic. This solidarity, he said, will always be the ” defining feature ” of the relationship between the two countries.

After highlighting Morocco’s priority, which His Majesty the King has always stressed, to support stability and development in African countries, Bourita noted that the Kingdom is “a faithful friend and a partner in solidarity” with this African country.

He also said that the visit of the Burkinabe minister, which is part of the ongoing coordination between the two countries, was also an opportunity for the new ambassador of Burkina Faso to Morocco to present the figurative copies of his credentials, noting that this will allow for continuous monitoring of joint projects and support initiatives that could contribute to stability in Burkina Faso.

The minister also expressed his consideration for the role played by Burkina Faso within the G5 Sahel in the fight against terrorism in this region, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, which threatens its stability and the peace of its population.

He also stressed that this African country aims, through its actions, to preserve the security of its citizens, by waging a war, on behalf of the region, against terrorism, which requires the support of all.

Regarding the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in various fields, the minister recalled the increase of scholarships granted to Burkina Faso in recent years to reach 100 scholarships, in addition to 30 others for training in the Moroccan Sahara after the opening of a Burkinabe consulate in Dakhla, noting that it was agreed today to award 50 new scholarships for sectoral technical cooperation.

Following HM the King’s High Instructions, he added, Morocco is always ready to share its experience and expertise in the field of sectoral cooperation with all its African brothers, noting that these new scholarships will help support bilateral sectoral cooperation.

Regarding regional issues, especially in Africa and the Sahel region, Bourita highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries on the situation and how to deal with it, stressing the importance of working in the framework of a serene and fruitful dialogue to prioritize the stability of the region, making the fight against terrorism by the countries concerned the basis for the success of any anti-terrorist strategy.

Read Also: Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister expresses Morocco’s solidarity with her country’s security challenge

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The Burkina Faso Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabe Abroad, Olivia Ragnaghnèwendé Rouamba, said on Wednesday in Rabat that Morocco has spared no effort to show its solidarity with Burkina Faso in the face of the security challenge.

“Morocco has spared no effort to show its solidarity with Burkina Faso in the face of the security challenge and we want, on behalf of the highest authority of Burkina Faso, H.E. President Ibrahim Traore, to show our gratitude for this unwavering support,” said Rouamba, who spoke at a press briefing after she met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, Nasser Bourita.

Burkina Faso has been plagued since 2016 by terrorism, which has bereaved its population and has its corollary consequences on the humanitarian level, she noted, stressing that the Kingdom “has been present to support Burkina Faso on the international scene”.

Morocco has also provided “considerable support in terms of training to boost certain sectors, such as agriculture and health,” she added.

She also stated that this meeting is a “mark of trust and fraternity and a manifestation of unfailing friendship”, reiterating her gratitude “to the brotherly Moroccan people for the solidarity shown to Burkina Faso, especially in this rather particular phase of its history”.

The Burkinabe minister also reaffirmed her country’s support for the Kingdom of Morocco on the issue of its territorial unity, adding that like Morocco, Burkina Faso places territorial integrity at the center of its priorities.

And she insisted, in the same context, that Burkina’s support in the search for a lasting solution that preserves the integrity, unity, and sovereignty of the Kingdom, under the guidance of the United Nations, “remains a key aspect that we will always respect.

Read Also: Bourita meets with White House officials in Washington

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According to a statement from the Moroccan Embassy in Ouagadougou, a cell has been established to monitor the situation in Burkina Faso and to ensure the welfare of Moroccans living there.

The embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco is closely monitoring the situation in Burkina Faso and the events occurring in this nation since Friday, according to the statement.

The embassy “reassures the situations of the Moroccan community members resident in Burkina Faso,” the same source continued, urging “people to stay in their homes and exercise great vigilance.”

According to the statement, “the embassy has established a tracking cell and, when necessary, posts the following emergency number on display: +22606418080.”

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His Excellency Youssef Slaoui, Morocco’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, was officially received, this Thursday 23 September 2021 in Ouagadougou, by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Dr Élise Foniyama Ilboudo/Thiombiano.

On the agenda of exchanges, partnership in the domains of Culture and tourism between Burkina Faso and Morocco, which, according to the Director of Cooperation and Legal Affairs, Mr.Idrissa ZOROM, is an outstanding cooperation.

A proposed tourism cooperation agreement is in the works between the two countries. In the long run, this agreement will strengthen bilateral cooperation by attracting private investors from both nations to invest in the tourist sector, including development and valorization.

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