In a joint Communiqué signed on Wednesday in Dakhla with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, the Chadian FM « underlined the interest shown by the two Heads of State in the development of trade relations between the two sister countries, particularly within the framework of the Royal Initiative to promote access to the Atlantic Ocean for the countries of the Sahel », and stressed his country's determination to see it put into operation.

This initiative, he added, « fits in perfectly with the ambitions of the landlocked Sahel States, and will help to improve the living conditions of the population, not only in the Sahel but throughout the West African region ».

With regard to the operationalisation of this strategic initiative, the two ministers « welcomed the work carried out by the national Task Forces during the meetings held in Rabat on 5 and 6 June 2024 ».

Abderaman Koulamallah, for his part, « affirmed that the projects presented by the members of the Moroccan Task Force are in line with the national development plan currently being implemented in Chad ».

The Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs also « welcomed the Enlightened Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI within the framework of the African Atlantic States Process, aimed at strengthening cooperation by making the African Atlantic area and the Sahel a geostrategic framework for intra-African cooperation ».

At a joint press briefing with Bourita following the talks, Koulamallah stressed the importance of this Royal Initiative, which illustrates Morocco's leadership and its active solidarity with African countries.

He added that it is an « Initiative for co-development and peace », noting that the Sahel countries, currently facing the scourge of terrorism and difficulties in transporting goods, will benefit from this opening and from the Port of Dakhla Atlantic.

This initiative, which reflects the Royal Vision in favor of more solid African integration, will also help to strengthen trade relations and more effective development between the countries of the South, the Chadian minister continued.

« We should ensure that the countries of the Sahel, like Chad, can benefit from this great visionary project supported by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and thus take advantage of their access to the Atlantic Ocean », he stated.

In addition, the two ministers commended the progress made on the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, as a symbol of South-South cooperation which, once completed, will help to improve the living conditions of the population and strengthen regional economic integration.