A diplomatic delegation from the Ivory Coast visited Laayoune today, praising the socio-economic development momentum in the southern regions.
The delegation was led by the First Counselor of the Ivorian Embassy, Yves Tadeit, alongside several diplomats responsible for economic and academic affairs.
During their visit, the members of the delegation reviewed various presentations and participated in field visits to major projects, gaining firsthand knowledge of the region’s potential, especially in the fishing, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors, as well as in vital infrastructure, transport, and communications.
The delegation held meetings with the Governor of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdel Salam Bekrate, and the Deputy Mayor of Laayoune, where they highlighted the progress made in implementing the new development model for the southern regions, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2015, which significantly boosted developmental efforts in the area.
Yves Tadeit affirmed that the visit was an opportunity to assess the quality of infrastructure and development levels in the southern regions, commending the visionary approach of His Majesty that enabled this transformation. He reiterated the Ivory Coast’s steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that this position was practically demonstrated by the opening of a general consulate of his country in Laayoune.
Tadeit clarified that relations between Morocco and the Ivory Coast are characterized by a multidimensional partnership covering various economic and service sectors, particularly with the upcoming inauguration of the Atlantic Dakhla Port, noting that Morocco has ranked first in direct foreign investments in his country since 2016.
The Ivorian diplomat praised the living conditions of the Ivorian community in the southern regions, which numbers over 3,000 individuals, including students, workers, and families. The delegation also reviewed a presentation from the Regional Investment Center in Laayoune, which included digital data on regional economic indicators, competitive advantages, and the diversity of projects and investment opportunities offered in the region, reflecting its strategic position as a promising economic hub in southern Morocco.
