The Minister, who was speaking at a joint press briefing with his Gabonese counterpart Mr. Pacôme Moubelet-Boubeya, indicated that Gabon is Morocco's 18th importer in Africa and its 10th supplier, recalling that a second line of cement production at the CIMAF plant has just been inaugurated recently, in the presence of the Gabonese Prime Minister.

The historical, cultural, political, economic and human ties that unite Morocco and Gabon are exceptional, he said, noting that the numerous visits of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, continue to give new impetus to bilateral relations.

Pursuant to the High Royal Guidelines, several high-level visits have made it possible to diversify this partnership, in particular in the areas of housing, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, transport, health, energy and mining, environmental protection and executives' training.

The ties between the two Heads of State naturally extend via the link established by Gabonese students with Morocco, he said, noting that the Kingdom is today the most popular destination for Gabonese students while Morocco remains Gabon's leading partner in terms of granting scholarships.

In addition, the minister noted that the inauguration of the Gabonese consulate general in Laayoune at the beginning of the year is one of the many manifestations of the ties that unite the two countries. It testifies, once again, to the unwavering support that this brotherly country brings to the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and to the national cause.

He added that relations between the two countries will be strengthened within the framework of Morocco's support for the "Emerging Gabon" Strategic Plan.

The forthcoming holding of an economic forum will enable the various economic actors to join the development efforts. This forum will also allow bilateral relations to deepen in order to match the ambitions of His Majesty the King and President Ali Bongo Ondimba, he said.

These talks were an opportunity to examine the means to strengthen the bilateral partnership, to revitalize the Morocco-Gabon joint committee and to underline the importance of consolidating the coordination between the two countries within the bodies of the African Union, said Mr. Bourita.