Morocco and Guinea reinforce bilateral cooperation and reaffirm their common position on Western Sahara
Eight agreements have been signed between Morocco and the Republic of Guinea to advance their bilateral cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, investment, agriculture, health and education. The agreements were signed in Rabat during the 7th session of the joint Moroccan-Guinean cooperation commission. This meeting, which took place in Dakhla, was co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries.
According to Morocco World News, the two countries have also signed an agreement in the field of hydrocarbons, pledging to establish a framework of collaboration to develop actions leading to the implementation of projects in the sector, also in the framework of cooperation in vocational training, the two countries seek to strengthen cooperation related to the allocation of a quota of 150 teaching places for young trainees in levels and specialties. These agreements also include a security cooperation agreement, with the aim of consolidating "cooperation mechanisms so that both countries can act together against terrorism and other forms of transnational crime, including drug trafficking and irregular migration", as stated in the Moroccan media.
The signing of these agreements reflects the strong and long-lasting diplomatic and cooperation ties between Morocco and Guinea, which are based on shared ideals and objectives. They have also supported each other in regional and international forums, such as the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
Guinea is considered by Morocco as a crucial ally in promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as a strategic partner in West Africa. Morocco has provided humanitarian aid to Guinea during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak. In addition, the Moroccan kingdom has made investments in Guinea's mining, energy, banking and telecommunications industries. Guinea considers Morocco a leader in Africa and a bridge between the continent and Europe. Guinea has praised the North African country's achievements in several areas, including agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and human development.
During his visit, Guinean Minister Morissanda Kouyate also expressed his country's support for Morocco's autonomy plan as "the only credible solution to the Western Sahara dispute". He praised Morocco's initiatives to promote stability and peace in the area and reaffirmed Guinea's support for the country in defending its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Furthermore, Guinea supports Morocco's position on Western Sahara in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and other international fora.
Morocco's proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara under its sovereignty is considered the most 'serious and credible'. It has been supported by several countries, including Germany, Spain, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. It has also been endorsed by the UNSC as a serious and credible basis for negotiations.
With the signing of eight agreements and the last session of the Moroccan-Guinean Joint Cooperation Commission, both nations have expressed their desire to intensify their cooperation in a number of areas and to mutually benefit from each other's potential and expertise. The agreements also demonstrate how Morocco and Guinea share similar perspectives on important issues such as Western Sahara, local security and continental integration.