Cabo Verde and Morocco strengthen ties with focus on cooperation and development

Cabo Verde’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Regional Integration, José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro, recently visited Morocco, underscoring the deepening partnership between Rabat and Praia. The visit aligns with the vision of HM King Mohammed VI to enhance Morocco’s cooperation with African nations, according to Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.

During a press conference following discussions with his Cabo Verdean counterpart, Bourita described the visit as a significant step in the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. This relationship has seen milestones such as the opening of a Cabo Verdean consulate in Dakhla in 2022 and the establishment of embassies in both Rabat and Praia. Bourita highlighted these developments as part of a broader framework to strengthen ties between the two nations.

The 2023 Moroccan-Cabo Verdean joint commission in Rabat was also noted as a pivotal moment, resulting in agreements across several domains, particularly in economic cooperation. Bourita praised Cabo Verde as a stable and credible partner in Africa, commending its strong political and economic governance.

Reflecting on the historical context of their relations, Bourita recalled Morocco’s support for African liberation movements, including its backing of Cabo Verdean leader Amílcar Cabral in the fight against Portuguese colonial rule. Cabral’s visit to Rabat in 1961 exemplifies Morocco’s longstanding commitment to the emancipation of African nations. Bourita emphasized that this legacy continues under King Mohammed VI through Morocco’s active promotion of South-South cooperation, characterized by a pragmatic and mutually beneficial approach focused on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

As part of the visit, the two nations agreed to convene the next joint commission in Praia, accompanied by an economic forum aimed at fostering collaboration between businesses from both countries. This initiative seeks to explore opportunities in trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as tourism, maritime fisheries, and renewable energy. Both sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthening technical cooperation in these areas.

Bourita further commended Cabo Verde’s unwavering stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, emphasizing its role as a trusted ally. This support is evidenced by the establishment of Cabo Verde’s consulate in Dakhla. He also highlighted Cabo Verde’s leadership in HM King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Initiative, particularly as chair of the working group on the blue economy.

Looking ahead, both countries reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering Cabo Verde’s role in the Atlantic African States Process (PEAA). Preparations are underway for the next ministerial meeting, with plans to host preparatory discussions in Praia involving ministers of economy and infrastructure from Atlantic African nations.