Morocco and the Union of the Comoros have welcomed the quality of their partnership and voiced commitment to opening new prospects for their relations through united and active South-South cooperation.
The two countries reviewed the progress made in their collaboration in priority areas such as higher education, economy, trade, health, education, Islamic affairs, vocational training and culture, and are committed to opening new perspectives in these areas through united and active South-South cooperation, says the joint communiqué issued at the end of the 1st session of the Morocco-Comoros joint commission, held Thursday in Dakhla, under the chairmanship of the two countries’ Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita and Dhoihir Dhoulkamal.
During the meeting, the Comorian Foreign Minister reaffirmed “the unwavering and unconditional” support of his country for the territorial integrity of Morocco, for the Moroccanness of the Sahara and the autonomy plan for the Sahara as the only solution to this regional dispute. He also reiterated his country’s full support for the role played by the United Nations as the exclusive and consensual framework for achieving a realistic, pragmatic and sustainable solution, says the joint communiqué.
The Union of the Comoros, the first country to open a consulate in Laayoune, “welcomed with great satisfaction the just and far-sighted stance adopted by the Kingdom of Spain, recognizing the autonomy plan as the most serious, realistic and credible solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara,” the communiqué said, adding that the Comorian government welcomed this “decisive turning point” in the international recognition of the territorial unity and integrity of Morocco.
During the meeting, the two sides underlined the excellent long-standing relations and the ties of friendship, cooperation and reciprocal solidarity binding the two countries, and expressed their strong determination to give new impetus to these relations.
The two countries welcomed in this regard the signing of 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding in several areas, including trade, fisheries, training and higher education, emphasizing the strategic importance of the joint commission as an essential mechanism and structured framework for strengthening the ongoing collaboration between the two countries.
The two sides which stressed the need to hold regular high-level consultation meetings agreed that the second session of this joint commission will take place in Moroni, on a date to be decided by mutual agreement through diplomatic channels.
The Comorian top diplomat welcomed the close ties of cooperation and active solidarity between Morocco and his country, reiterating his government’s heartfelt thanks for the royal donation of medical equipment granted to the Union of Comoros in June 2020, as part of the fight against COVID-19.
The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common interest at the regional and international levels and welcomed their similar positions on major regional concerns such as development, peace and security in Africa, the statement added.
Welcoming Morocco’s constant willingness to share its experience and achievements in economic and social development with other African countries and to encourage its private sector to invest more in the continent, they praised the ongoing efforts undertaken by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in favor of development in Africa.
Referring to the political situation on the continent, the two countries expressed their deep concern over the persistence of several hotbeds of tension in Africa and their effects on peace and stability in the continent and on the economic and social development of African peoples, reiterating their determination to take part in the ongoing settlement and reconciliation efforts.