Senegal Deepens Economic Ties with Morocco Under New Administration

In a significant diplomatic development, Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, visited Rabat this week to deliver a message from newly-elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to King Mohammed VI, signaling a commitment to strengthen the nations' longstanding partnership.

The visit, Fall's second to Morocco in 2024, comes at a pivotal moment following Senegal's March 2024 election, which saw Faye emerge victorious with substantial popular support. During high-level discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Fall emphasized Senegal's desire to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

"The message I carry today to His Majesty King Mohammed VI from His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is not only one of greetings but primarily a call to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Fall stated during a joint press conference.

A key outcome of the talks was the announcement of a joint Moroccan-Senegalese commission scheduled for early 2025. The commission aims to identify priority areas for partnership and establish a clear roadmap for maximizing shared economic opportunities.

The discussions covered several strategic initiatives, with particular emphasis on Atlantic region cooperation and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which recently received ECOWAS approval. Fall highlighted the close collaboration with Bourita on these projects, noting their significance for regional energy security and economic integration.

The diplomatic engagement also reinforced Senegal's support for Morocco's territorial integrity, as evidenced by Senegal's establishment of a Consulate General in Dakhla in 2021 and its clear stance at the UN General Assembly's 4th Committee.

The bilateral relationship, formally established in 1960, has been strengthened through regular royal visits, with King Mohammed VI's first visit to Senegal in 2001 marking a turning point. This initiated robust cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, fishing, education, health, water management, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Fall expressed anticipation for King Mohammed VI's future visit to Senegal, which she suggested would "mark a new phase in deepening our relations." The partnership extends beyond bilateral interests to encompass broader continental initiatives, with both nations working to create what Fall described as "a mutually beneficial space for cooperation" in the strategic Atlantic zone.

The strength of these ties was recently demonstrated when Morocco played a distinctive role in Senegal's political transition, with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch representing King Mohammed VI at President Faye's inauguration ceremony in Diamniadio. Notably, King Mohammed VI was the only head of state from outside the region to receive an invitation to this historic event.

Through consistent diplomatic engagement and shared economic interests, both nations continue to build upon their historical partnership, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors in the years ahead.