Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Régis Onanga Ndiaye, confirmed after talks with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita at the High-Level Ministerial Conference on Middle-Income Countries on Monday in Rabat that “the Kingdom will always receive unwavering support from Gabon regarding Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.” In a press conference, he said that “Gabon’s support for the Sahara issue remains clear and unequivocal.”
Highlighting the countries’ strong bilateral ties, Ndiaye acknowledged Morocco as a distinguished partner, declaring “I would like to reaffirm that Morocco has always been a privileged partner of Gabon, and, in this context, the Kingdom of Morocco will always have the unconditional and continued support of my country.”
The Gabonese diplomat reaffirmed Gabon’s unambiguous support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, citing Gabon’s establishment of a consulate general in Laayoune, operating with the support of Moroccan authorities.
The official also lauded the two countries’ exceptional political and diplomatic relations, and reiterated the need for increased bilateral cooperation, particularly in innovative initiatives.
Ndiaye noted the importance of the forthcoming joint committee meeting between Morocco and Gabon, underlining the participation of Moroccan businesses in industrial growth and commercial activities.
He also expressed his gratitude for Morocco’s support and commended the kingdom’s contribution to heading the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, which is addressing Gabon’s challenges.
The two-day high-level ministerial conference on middle-income countries, entitled “Solutions to Development Challenges for Middle-Income Countries in a Changing World,” kicked off on Monday in Rabat featuring 32 countries, ministerial representatives, and 23 UN development agencies committing to support growth-oriented interests of developing countries through effective multilateral cooperation.