South/South Cooperation: Secular relations between Morocco and Senegal magnified

« The historical relations that Morocco and Senegal have had for centuries make these two countries brothers. Historians mention that Moroccan families have settled in Senegal since the middle of the 19th century, which means that the two countries share a spiritual heritage immersed in the distant past. This is Taïb Abdoulah’s conviction.

The general delegate of Moadis Eurafrique recalls that some Senegalese families bear Moroccan names, and historians say that the Senegalese used to welcome Moroccan merchants to give them their blessings. This spiritual and cultural fusion between the two countries has been documented each time by the repeated and uninterrupted visits of the Alaouite kings to Senegal.

This friendship, Abdoulah continues, has been reinforced more than once by Morocco through the royal visits of Mohammed VI to Senegal. His Majesty’s speech transmitted from the capital Dakar in November 2016, on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the Green March, dear to Moroccans, was a strong message that reveals that Moroccans consider Senegal as their homeland. We do not hide the frequent visits of His Majesty, which are only proof of the strong relations between the two countries, » Abdoulah said.

For him, these bilateral relations through economic and trade cooperation through the partnerships forged by Morocco, are marked by integration, solidarity and sharing of experiences. And he said, « it is in this context that it comes to emphasize that Senegal is the first economic and commercial partner of Morocco, and also the first destination of Moroccan investments abroad.

The proof, during the royal visit to Senegal in 2013, cooperation agreements on international road transport of passengers, goods and maritime transport were signed. These agreements notably stipulate the opening of a maritime line between Morocco and Senegal. In addition, in the fields of electricity and renewable energies, as well as in the service sector, the National Electricity Office has concluded a contract to supply the departments of Saint-Louis, Dagana and Podor.

The National Electricity Office has also created a branch with a capital of 28 million dirhams, bearing the name of « Senegal National Electricity Office ».

At the technical level, Morocco has implemented infrastructure projects in priority sectors. It is these ties of friendship and partnerships at different dimensions and levels that have made Morocco present in Africa through development and economic projects. This has earned it second place as an African investor in Africa.