In a statement to the press following the meeting, Cravinho highlighted the “fruitful, robust, versatile, and multidimensional” ties between the EU and Morocco, stressing that dialogue and cooperation with the Kingdom remain “a top strategic priority.”

“Morocco's relationship with neighboring Sahel countries is, for us, a vital source of insight, understanding, and joint action paths in favor of the peoples of the Sahel,” Mr. Cravinho affirmed.

The EU diplomat noted that the Sahel region is “fragile from both safety and socio-economic perspectives, two interlinked dimensions that stand as a major challenge,” emphasizing that both the EU and Morocco have significant roles to play in the region. He also added that the purpose of his visit was to explore ways of deepening the EU-Morocco partnership regarding the Sahel region, with the aim of achieving shared objectives of peace and security in service of the region’s populations.