Laâyoune: Morocco and Senegal’s Establishment Convention at the Heart of a Symposium

Organized by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in collaboration with the Timbuktu Institute – African Center for Peace Studies, based in Dakar, this event commemorates an agreement signed in 1964 and ratified in 1965, which is considered one of the pillars of the exemplary partnership uniting the two African nations.

On this occasion, the Consul General of Senegal in Dakhla, Babou Sene, highlighted the excellence and continuity of relations between Morocco and Senegal, describing them as “two brotherly countries bound by history and geography.”

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Consul General Salif Diop, he stated that the Establishment Convention between the two countries “laid the foundations of an exceptional relationship and remains a model of exemplary cooperation that Africa greatly needs as a source of inspiration.”

Mr. Sene also noted that this symposium coincides with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Green March, which continues to inspire values of solidarity, resilience and unity, while strengthening the Moroccan people’s commitment to peace and development.

He further explained that the legal framework of Moroccan-Senegalese cooperation now includes around thirty agreements covering all economic, cultural and scientific fields, making it “an effective, united and forward-looking model of South-South cooperation.”

The Consul General also praised the shared vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, for consolidating a strategic partnership between the two countries in favor of an integrated, sovereign and prosperous Africa.

For his part, the President of UM6P, Hicham El Habti, emphasized that the celebration of the 60th anniversary of this convention pays tribute to a shared vision, that of two sister African nations which, from the early years of their independence, chose the path of partnership, trust and fraternity.

He noted that this founding agreement already reflected the conviction that the destiny of the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples would be stronger if it was rooted in the sharing of knowledge, mutual recognition of talents and the interconnection of minds.

“Sixty years later, this conviction remains intact and continues through our institutions, our campuses, our laboratories and our joint projects,” he affirmed.

Mr. El Habti also highlighted academic cooperation between the two countries, noting that around forty Senegalese students are currently pursuing their studies at UM6P, reflecting the vitality of scientific and educational collaboration between Rabat and Dakar.

For his part, the President of the Timbuktu Institute, Bakary Sambe, stated that this celebration goes beyond remembrance and aims to transmit a shared legacy that serves as both a memory of the past and a promise for the future.

Mr. Sambe said he was particularly honored that this commemoration is taking place in Laâyoune, “a symbolic city of a shared history,” at a significant moment marked also by the anniversary of the Green March. He praised the development dynamic of Morocco’s southern provinces which, under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, “are experiencing major transformations and remarkable growth recognized worldwide.”

Mr. Sambe cited major projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port and investments in renewable energy as “inspiring models of innovation for the entire African continent.”

The event, which stands as a testament to one of the most enduring models of African bilateral cooperation, was attended by the Wali of the region and Governor of the Province of Laâyoune, Abdeslam Bekrate, along with several Consuls General accredited in Laâyoune.

Editorial team/le7tv