This session is an opportunity to explore new horizons for consolidating cooperation relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso, and to build fruitful partnerships in a wide range of fields, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Heads of State of the two countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency president Ibrahim Traoré.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Bourita stressed that the 4th session of the Morocco-Burkina Faso Joint Commission, which was not held on the scheduled date due to international, local and health-related circumstances, attests to the strength and excellent level of relations between the two countries, and affirms that these ties have grown stronger over time.

The holding of this session, he added, testifies to the determination of both countries to enshrine the role of this commission as an important mechanism for the development of cooperation between Morocco and Burkina Faso, and to strengthen the legal framework of this cooperation, with a view to establishing a fruitful partnership in many sectors.

The holding of this 4th session is an ideal opportunity to deepen the consultation and ongoing periodic political dialogue that has always brought the two brotherly countries together, especially as it provides a suitable political framework for coordinating efforts and reflecting on future prospects to strengthen bilateral relations, said Mr. Bourita.

Morocco, which has always been aware of the importance of its African depth, is committed to forging exceptional relations with the countries of the continent, he stressed, noting in this sense that HM King Mohammed VI ensures that the ties of solidarity and cooperation with brotherly African countries, through concrete achievements, pragmatic approaches and major structuring projects, are the main driving force behind these ties.

This session is also an opportunity to develop bilateral cooperation in various fields, notably in training and higher education, he noted, adding that Morocco grants 250 scholarships to Burkina Faso, including 150 academic and vocational scholarships in northern Morocco, 50 scholarships for vocational training in the Kingdom's southern provinces, and 50 scholarships as part of technical cooperation between the government departments concerned.

Mr. Bourita also pointed out that, despite their revival, trade relations had not yet reached the level of the solid ties of friendship and fraternity between Morocco and Burkina Faso, or the quality of sectoral cooperation between the two countries. He called on economic players in both countries to take advantage of the potential of the two countries, with the aim of raising the level of bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation.

In this respect, he stressed that the aspirations of the Moroccan and Burkinabe peoples, and the shared will of the leaders of the two countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency president Ibrahim Traoré, "oblige us to deploy even greater efforts, in order to reach the level of a strategic partnership marked by effectiveness and efficiency".

This meeting will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation, he added, expressing confidence that the fruitful exchange of experiences and points of view will strengthen the foundations of mutual understanding, enable innovative solutions to be found to the challenges posed, and facilitate the achievement of common objectives.

For her part, Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, stressed that her country wished to benefit from Morocco's experience in security and the fight against terrorism.

"We want to strengthen the capacities of our local players in the field of security and learn from the Moroccan experience in this area, through collaboration and the exchange of delegations," stressed Ms. Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba.

Morocco is a reference in the field of security, she pointed out, adding that the Kingdom of Morocco and Burkina Faso have signed several bilateral agreements covering high-level priority areas for the benefit of their respective populations.

"Over the years, cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and Burkina Faso has risen to an excellent level, as evidenced by the many achievements made and the promising prospects for new partnerships", she added.

She also praised the Kingdom of Morocco's efforts to promote peace and security in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in the West African sub-region, noting that her country would continue to benefit from the Kingdom of Morocco's support, especially in the effective implementation of its Action Plan for Stabilization and Development (PA-SD) adopted in January 2023.

She also reiterated her country's unwavering support for the Kingdom's territorial integrity, welcoming the convergence of views between the two countries on major issues such as the fight against terrorism, transnational crime, sustainable development and climate change.

The session, attended by the ambassador, director general of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) and representatives of several departments, culminated in the signing of 12 agreements covering several areas of bilateral cooperation.