Morocco–Senegal: Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko Calls for a Sustainable Partnership Beyond Conjunctural Emotions
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stressed, on Monday in Rabat, at the opening of the work of the 15th Morocco–Senegal Joint Commission for Cooperation, the strength and depth of the relations uniting the two countries, calling for the preservation of this strategic partnership from any emotional reading linked to current sporting events.
Speaking in a context marked by the recent Africa Cup of Nations final hosted in Morocco and contested by the Moroccan and Senegalese national teams, the head of the Senegalese government insisted on the need to distinguish momentary emotion from the durable foundations that structure the bilateral relationship. He acknowledged that this sporting episode generated intense feelings and, at times, regrettable scenes, while affirming that the true maturity of the two nations lies in their ability to give precedence to reason and to the higher interests of their peoples.
Ousmane Sonko was keen to clarify that his presence in the Kingdom was in no way connected to the immediate aftermath of the AFCON final. He recalled that this official visit, prepared well in advance, carries major political significance and is part of the continuity of a structured bilateral agenda, independent of sporting circumstances.
Deep historical, human and spiritual ties
The Senegalese Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing nature of Morocco–Senegal relations, described as centuries-old and rooted in a shared history marked by fraternity, exchanges and solidarity. He underlined that these ties are not the product of conjunctural interests, but rather the result of deep human relations forged over the centuries.
He notably recalled the decisive role of the ancient trade routes linking Morocco to its African depth through Senegal, fostering the constant circulation of people, goods and ideas, and contributing to the consolidation of economic and social exchanges between the two countries.
A spiritual dimension at the heart of the rapprochement
Addressing the religious aspect, Ousmane Sonko highlighted the spiritual scope of bilateral relations, referring to the status of Amir Al Mouminine of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as the influence of Sufi brotherhoods, particularly the Tijaniyya, in strengthening cultural and human ties between the two peoples.
He considered that this spiritual dimension constitutes one of the essential pillars of Morocco–Senegal proximity, visible through the Royal visits to Senegal and the dense legal framework governing bilateral cooperation, comprising more than 140 agreements covering numerous fields.
Economic cooperation in constant expansion
The Senegalese Prime Minister also praised the significant contribution of Moroccan companies to Senegal’s economic development, citing key sectors such as banking, insurance, agri-food, infrastructure, mining, the pharmaceutical industry and energy. He stressed that these companies are fully integrated into the Senegalese economic fabric and benefit from equal treatment with national operators.
In the same spirit, Ousmane Sonko expressed the wish to see Senegalese investors and entrepreneurs gain access to the Moroccan market under similar conditions, an ambition that is expected to be examined during the economic forum scheduled to be held in Casablanca.
Through his address, the Senegalese Prime Minister reaffirmed the will of both countries to consolidate a strategic partnership based on trust, mutual respect and a shared vision of development, capable of transcending fleeting emotions in favor of sustainable and structured cooperation.
Editorial team/le7tv
