Morocco and Sierra Leone to Develop New Cooperation Roadmap for 2024-2026

Morocco and Sierra Leone have expressed their determination to reinforce and expand their bilateral cooperation, with plans to develop a new generation roadmap for the 2024-2026 period. The two countries welcomed the progress made under the 2021-2023 cooperation roadmap in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, health, renewable energy, and tourism.

During a meeting between Moroccan and Sierra Leonean officials in Rabat, both nations emphasized their willingness to completely participate in initiatives led by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The goal is to establish a new generation roadmap that builds on their existing partnership and explores new areas of collaboration.

Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba praised the leadership of King Mohammed VI and Morocco's contribution to promoting peace and sustainable development in the West African sub-region. Kabba reiterated Sierra Leone's full support for Morocco's autonomy plan as the "credible, serious, and realistic solution" to the Sahara issue and expressed support for Morocco's territorial integrity.

The ministers celebrated the strong bonds between Morocco and Sierra Leone and their shared desire to make their partnership an exceptional model of intra-African cooperation. They acknowledged the accomplishments of the third joint commission held in Dakhla and committed to implementing bilateral agreements to promote a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.

Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in areas prioritized by Sierra Leone, such as trade, agriculture, fertilizers, investment, water, fisheries, mining, cultural exchange, capacity building, and tourism. They also expressed their willingness to establish a strong economic partnership and create an enabling environment to bolster their economic exchanges.

Morocco expressed its commitment to working with Sierra Leone as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-2025 and praised the remarkable development in Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.

Why this matters: The strengthening of cooperation between Morocco and Sierra Leone reflects the growing trend of intra-African partnerships and solidarity. This collaboration has the potential to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and regional stability in West Africa.

The meeting between Moroccan and Sierra Leonean officials underscored the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations. With a focus on key sectors such as agriculture, trade, and capacity building, the new generation roadmap for 2024-2026 aims to raise the Morocco-Sierra Leone partnership to new heights. As Minister Kabba stated, Sierra Leone remains fully supportive of Morocco's territorial integrity and considers the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as the only viable solution to the Sahara dispute.

Key Takeaways

• Morocco and Sierra Leone to develop new 2024-2026 cooperation roadmap.
• Sierra Leone fully supports Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara issue.
• Cooperation to focus on trade, agriculture, investment, and regional stability.
• Morocco committed to supporting Sierra Leone as UN Security Council member.
• Strengthening of intra-African partnership with potential for economic growth.