Speaking at a press conference following talks with his Cabo Verdean counterpart, Mr. Bourita emphasized that the visit reflects the positive momentum in bilateral relations, marked by the opening of a Cabo Verdean consulate in Dakhla in 2022 and the establishment of embassies in Rabat and Praia. He described the visit as a new milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Mr. Bourita recalled the 2023 Moroccan-Cabo Verdean joint commission in Rabat, which resulted in the signing of multiple agreements across various sectors, particularly economic cooperation. He praised Cabo Verde as a stable and credible partner in Africa, citing its strong political and economic governance.

Highlighting the historical dimension of their relations, Mr. Bourita noted Morocco’s support for African liberation movements, including its backing of Cabo Verdean leader Amílcar Cabral, who visited Rabat in 1961 as part of the fight against Portuguese colonial rule. Morocco played a key role in supporting the independence of former Portuguese colonies, he said, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to African emancipation.

Mr. Bourita stressed that this engagement continues under HM King Mohammed VI’s leadership through Morocco’s support for South-South cooperation, adopting a pragmatic, win-win approach based on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

During the meeting, Morocco and Cabo Verde agreed to hold the next joint commission in Praia, which will be accompanied by an economic forum bringing together business leaders from both countries to explore investment and trade opportunities. The two sides also committed to enhancing technical cooperation in key sectors such as tourism, maritime fisheries, and renewable energy.

Mr. Bourita also welcomed Cabo Verde’s consistent stance on the Moroccan Sahara, noting that its position as a reliable ally is reflected in the establishment of its consulate in Dakhla. He also highlighted Cabo Verde’s central role in HM King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Initiative, particularly as chair of the working group on the blue economy.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Cabo Verde’s leadership in this initiative ahead of the next ministerial meeting of the Atlantic African States Process (PEAA), Mr. Bourita said, adding that discussions are underway to hold preparatory meetings in Praia, bringing together ministers of economy and infrastructure from Atlantic African nations.