By James Amoh Jr., GNA
Accra, Aug. 4, GNA – Ghana and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, investment and sectoral cooperation following the Second Session of the Ghana-Morocco Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.
The renewed commitment was underscored at a reception in Accra to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Mrs Imane Ouaadil, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ghana, said the Joint Commission had provided a framework for expanding cooperation in industry, hydrocarbons, mining, energy efficiency, agriculture, customs, postal services and investment.
She said the two countries had also agreed to establish a Ghana-Morocco Economic and Investment Forum, led by the private sector, to facilitate greater commercial engagement.
Mrs Ouaadil described Ghana as occupying “a special place” in King Mohammed VI’s vision for Africa, adding that bilateral relations had continued to strengthen since the King’s official visit to Ghana in 2017.
“Since returning to its institutional family in 2017, the Kingdom of Morocco has worked tirelessly for a united Africa, one that is in solidarity and sovereign in its choices,” she said.
The Ambassador said Morocco remained committed to supporting food security, agricultural resilience and sustainable development across Africa, citing ongoing cooperation with Ghana in the agricultural sector.
She also expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for its support for Morocco’s
Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara.
Mrs Ouaadil said Morocco had, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, implemented wide-ranging political, economic and social reforms over the past 27 years, while pursuing regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.
Representing the Government of Ghana, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, congratulated King Mohammed VI, the Royal Family and the people of Morocco on the national occasion.
He said Ghana attached importance to its longstanding relations with Morocco, established in 1960, and commended the Kingdom’s contribution to African solidarity, South-South cooperation and sustainable development.
Mr Ibrahim said the recent meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation had reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to expanding collaboration in trade, education, scientific research, institutional development and investment.
He welcomed Morocco’s decision to increase annual scholarships for Ghanaian students from 70 to 140 and expand academic exchanges in engineering, maritime studies and technical education.
The Minister also acknowledged Morocco’s donation of 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser through the OCP Group as a contribution to Ghana’s agricultural productivity and food security.
“As Africa intensifies efforts towards regional cooperation and sustainable development, stronger partnerships among African nations remain essential to achieving our collective
aspirations,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim said Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to Europe and Ghana’s role as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area offered opportunities to expand intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains and attract investment.
The reception formed part of Morocco’s annual Throne Day celebrations, which commemorate the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne on July 30, 1999.
GNA
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]
Edited by: Kenneth Sackey