On October 19th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates of Morocco, Mr. Nasser Bourita, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Amb. Albert Shingiro.
The head of Burundian diplomacy spoke at a press briefing held after the meeting with Mr. Nasser Bourita, which was also an opportunity to reiterate the position of the Republic of Burundi to maintain its diplomatic representation in Rabat and its Consulate General in Laayoune.
Minister Albert Shingiro’s visit was to review the implementation of the roadmap they drew up with Mr. Nasser Bourita about a year and a half ago in Rabat.
This roadmap of cooperation has marked the ambition of both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations based on mutual respect and develop a solid partnership and active solidarity.
The meeting came in light of the inauguration of the Consulate General of the Republic of Burundi in Laayoune back on February 28th, 2020, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the previous Burundian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Ezechiel Nibigira.
Mr. Shingiro expressed that he was pleased that he was able to accomplish many things during his visit, among which was his meeting with the Minister of Agriculture.
“We value and give great importance to agriculture because, as you know, a hungry population is difficult to manage. So far, Burundi manages to feed its population of 12 million… but the objective is obviously not only feeding the Burundians, it is producing in the region and exporting abroad,” says Mr.Albert Shingiro
Mr. Albert Shingiro talked about some opportunities on the table for investment in Burundi, stating that “we are centered between Central and East Africa, so if you invest in Burundi, you will be targeting the East and West Tanzanian markets. Therefore, these are opportunities not to be missed.”
In addition, the meeting resulted in the signing of three agreements due to the excellent relations and the ties of cooperation and friendship that have united Morocco and the Republic of Burundi for decades.
Moreover, the Burundian Minister highlighted the agreement on the visa exemption on diplomatic passports to facilitate the mobilization of officials who are willing to come to Bujumbura or Rabat.
The meeting also covered other topics, such as international organizations, the African Union, and most importantly, the matter of Moroccan Sahara, in order to foster a mutual understanding of subjects that interest both states.
In the end, the Minister highlighted the permanent support of the Republic of Burundi on the Moroccan Sahara, stressing that Burundi has always been at Morocco’s side within a framework of sincere and active solidarity.