On Monday, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Cheikh Niang, reiterated his country’s readiness to engage in and support the initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI for the benefit of the Sahel countries and African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, stating that Senegal considers the Moroccan-Nigerian gas pipeline project “a means of African sovereignty.”

“We are fully prepared to support you (Morocco) in the many projects aimed at enabling Sahel countries to access the Atlantic Ocean,” Anyang said at a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of their meeting, which was followed by the signing of a joint statement.

He added: “We have the same determination towards the gas pipeline project, which we see as a means to ‘enshrine’ African sovereignty,” adding that they in the Senegalese government are “ready, based on a pragmatic approach, to achieve the part that will cross Senegal.”

The Senegalese minister affirmed that “the relationship between Senegal and Morocco, in Africa and around the world, is a long-standing bond, and we, as representatives of the two peoples, have a duty to preserve it,” stressing that this “relationship is sacred, especially since it is based on strong religious ties.”

Currently, “this relationship is developing rapidly, and the two countries now have a framework for cooperation that includes numerous agreements,” he explained, adding that “Senegal’s relationship with Morocco is its strongest among all existing relationships with other countries.” He continued, “We seek to strengthen this cooperation,” and “we are committed to the sustainability of this partnership.”

The Senegalese government official also praised “the openness and facilities that Morocco provides for the benefit of Senegalese nationals” residing on its territory; the Kingdom “is a country to receive our students and other exchanges (…) and Senegalese who reside here consider themselves to be in their own country.”

He stressed that “Morocco is a safe, trustworthy and loyal partner, and I believe it is our duty to maintain this relationship, and we are happy to see it strengthened by the wise vision of King Mohammed VI.”

Sheikh Anyang also noted that the meeting between the two sides “resulted in a timetable for future initiatives, and paved the way for the heads of the two governments and the rest of the ministers to hold meetings.”

“Within this framework, ministers will exchange visits, and a high-level committee will be established, to be chaired by the heads of government of both countries, in order to identify and sign strategic projects at the high-level summit,” which will bring together the two leaders, King Mohammed VI and President Bassio Diomae Faye.