RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Permit denied An eventful soccer match straining diplomatic and economic relations; Morocco and senegal They pledged on Monday to give new momentum to relations and boost trade and investment between the two African countries.
The prime ministers of Morocco and Senegal signed 17 agreements in Morocco’s capital Rabat to increase investment in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, fisheries and mining.
The signing came a week after the turmoil. africa cup of nations During the final match between the two countries, Senegalese players left the field in protest of a penalty, leading to fans attempting to invade the field. Description of Moroccan rights organizations Rapid rise in hate speech After the match, which Senegal won 1-0.
“These excesses must be understood not as political or cultural rifts, but as emotional outbursts caused by enthusiasm,” Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said at the opening ceremony of the Moroccan-Senegalese Joint Commission in the Moroccan capital Rabat.
“The friendship between Morocco and Senegal is stronger than sentiment,” Sonko added.
Officials from both countries say their relationship is underpinned by strong economic ties.
For Senegal, a West African country with a large amount of debt, Morocco is Africa’s leading investment country. Senegal is seeking to attract foreign investment, with Morocco pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Senegal’s banking, energy and agriculture sectors. Morocco also has a large Senegalese community.
Senegal is an important export destination for Morocco. Morocco will ship $200 million worth of goods to Senegal in 2024 and has sought to expand its economic and diplomatic footprint across Africa as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its influence on the continent. The North African kingdom is also home to the influential Tijaniyya Sufi order, whose followers include many Senegalese disciples.
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhanoush said that relations between Morocco and Senegal are based on “solid foundations”. He added that the two countries remain “true to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and respect.”
