Rabat, Morocco — April 28, 2025
In a momentous diplomatic development, the foreign ministers of the Sahel States Confederation (AES) — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — were received in audience by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, marking a powerful affirmation of growing ties between North and West Africa.
The high-level delegation, led by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop, acting on behalf of AES’s rotating presidency currently held by Mali, included Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré and Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangaré. They delivered heartfelt messages of fraternity and solidarity from their respective heads of state — General Assimi Goïta of Mali, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger.
A Rare and Symbolic Moment
During the royal audience, the ministers conveyed the deep appreciation of the AES leadership for Morocco’s consistent and principled foreign policy—particularly its unwavering respect for the sovereignty of AES nations. The ministers emphasized their admiration for Morocco’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of their countries, a gesture that resonates strongly in a region often subject to external pressures and competing geopolitical interests.
A Shared Vision for Development and Security
The discussion also covered the confederation’s strides in diplomacy, development, defense, and regional security. Ministers briefed King Mohammed VI on recent achievements and outlined future priorities aimed at reinforcing stability and economic progress across the Sahel.
A key highlight of the meeting was the ministers’ enthusiastic endorsement of the Royal Atlantic Initiative — King Mohammed VI’s strategic plan to open Atlantic Ocean access to landlocked Sahelian countries. The initiative has been hailed as a potential game-changer for the region, offering Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a new maritime gateway to international trade, reduced dependence on unstable transit routes, and renewed economic vitality.
“This initiative perfectly aligns with the AES vision for economic transformation and regional sovereignty,” said one of the ministers. “Our nations are determined to chart our own path toward prosperity, and Morocco is proving to be a key partner in that journey.”
Strengthening South–South Cooperation
King Mohammed VI’s reaffirmation of Morocco’s commitment to South–South cooperation was met with strong approval by the delegation. The ministers noted the historic solidarity that has long existed between Morocco and the Sahel, underpinned by shared cultural, religious, and historical ties.
The monarch also extended personal messages to the heads of state of AES member nations, underscoring his deep commitment to fostering durable partnerships across Africa.
Gratitude and a Vision for the Future
At the conclusion of the meeting, the AES ministers expressed their profound gratitude to King Mohammed VI for the warm reception, thoughtful dialogue, and strategic guidance offered during the audience. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the Moroccan people for their exceptional hospitality during the visit.
“This is not just diplomacy—it is a historic turning point,” said one AES official. “We are witnessing the birth of a stronger African bloc, one that is proud, independent, and ready to work hand-in-hand with visionary partners like Morocco.”
With regional alliances shifting and global interests focusing increasingly on Africa, the meeting between Morocco and the Sahel Confederation sends a clear message: African nations are uniting around shared values, mutual respect, and a determination to shape their own destiny.
