Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis, has intimated his counterpart in Morocco, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Moroccans Living Abroad, H. E. Nasser Bourita, that the launching of a Special Industrial Zone, recently by President Bio, which is currently under implementation by a reputable investment entity, ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, is a clear manifestation of the existence of peace and security in the country.
Professor David Francis made that statement as the Government of Sierra Leone held the 3rd Joint Commission for Cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco geared towards enhancing a fruitful bilateral relationship.
Under the Joint Commission for Cooperation, thirteen agreements were signed ranging from Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Energy, Health, Education, Justice Sector, Land and Urban Planning, Mining sector and Infrastructure.
Welcoming the Sierra Leone delegation, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Moroccans Living Abroad, H. E. Nasser Bourita, underscored how Sierra Leone and Morocco have maintained longstanding bilateral relations ranging from 1996 to date.
He briefly dilated on the significance of the Dakhla agreements and congratulated both the legal teams from Sierra Leone’s and Morocco’s Foreign Ministries for drafting the various agreements very well which he maintained are in the best interest of both countries.
- E Bourita highlighted the significant benefit to Dakhla city where the Moroccan Government is constructing a mega port to ease trade and investment in the country, noting that the signing of the agreement in Dakhla is a manifestation of their commitment towards a sustainable investment partnership with Sierra Leone.
“Sierra Leone under the enlightened leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio is becoming a strategic partner with a special development model. With these Dakhla agreements, we will be able to take advantage and explore opportunities in the mining sector, agriculture, energy, and more areas,” he assured.
Leading the Sierra Leone delegation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis, described Morocco as a trustworthy and reliable partner.
“What we are doing here today is in line with the goals and aspirations of our two leaders; His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio and His Majesty the King of Morocco Mohammed the 6th. We are not just friends, or partners, we are allies. Your interest is our interest.
We are also here to learn from the development models of Morocco as agreements signed today cover the critical aspect of a country that aspires to a middle-income status. President Bio has established a credible institution known as the National Investment Board that ensures the protection of Foreign Direct Investment in the country,” Professor Francis assured while emphasizing the mutual benefits of the agreements.
Professor Francis also highlighted developments in the area of fighting corruption, abolition of the death penalty, gender empowerment, the repeal of the Criminal Libel Laws, the successful implementation of Free Quality Education, and other reforms under the leadership of President Bio.
He commended the leadership of Morocco for promoting Global peace and security amidst rising tensions in the region while calling for the support of Morocco in Sierra Leone’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (2024-25).
On the part of the Minister of Trade & Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy, he commended the agreements maintaining that they form an integral part of the principles of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement which both countries have signed to.
