Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, conducted strategic bilateral meetings with African counterparts Thursday in Istanbul, advancing economic cooperation initiatives on the sidelines of the 5th Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum.
Hejira held separate discussions with Libya’s Economy and Trade Minister Mohamed Ali Al-Haweg, Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines Juwara Nani, and Kenya’s Secretary General for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, promoting reciprocal investments, and expanding partnership perspectives at continental levels.
The Libya talks emphasized facilitating business exchanges, improving air connectivity, simplifying visa procedures, and exploring joint investment opportunities across Africa. Al-Haweg acknowledged Morocco’s consistent support for Libya’s political and economic stability, characterizing the discussions as fruitful for advancing commercial relations under Morocco’s 2025-2027 foreign trade program, which prioritizes Arab and African markets.
Gambian Minister Nani praised Morocco-Gambia relations as exemplifying Africa’s best bilateral cooperation models, highlighting Moroccan support in education, infrastructure, and international event organization, including the 15th OIC Summit held in Banjul in May 2024. Discussions covered increasing bilateral trade, facilitating investment flows, and promoting intra-African commerce under common continental agendas.
Kenya’s representative outlined three specific investment projects in port infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer production for potential Moroccan involvement. These initiatives will receive detailed attention at December’s African Continental Free Trade Area Forum in Marrakech, where definitive agreements are expected.
Hejira extended official invitations to all counterparts for the 2nd AfCFTA Forum scheduled December 11-12 in Marrakech. The event will feature ministerial summits, African products exhibitions showcasing Moroccan exports, and business networking forums, reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to strengthening African economic integration and continental trade partnerships.