Morocco and Sierra Leone have agreed on a structured, action-oriented roadmap to deepen and diversify bilateral cooperation, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to stronger diplomatic and economic ties.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two ministers welcomed the longstanding relations between Morocco and Sierra Leone, which they said are founded on friendship, mutual respect and solidarity. They pledged to further strengthen the relationship, guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The ministers identified trade, agriculture, fertilizer, investment, water management, fisheries, mining, cultural exchange and capacity building as priority areas for cooperation, in line with Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
Both governments agreed to develop a new, comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap in the coming weeks. The framework is expected to build on previous achievements while providing greater coherence and direction to bilateral cooperation.
Minister Swarray also accepted an invitation from Minister Bourita to undertake a working visit to Morocco in October 2026. The exact date will be determined through diplomatic channels.
During the meeting, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. Freetown also endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
Sierra Leone further expressed support for the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate the political process and advance negotiations towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable resolution.
The two ministers also discussed Morocco’s African Atlantic States Initiative and the Royal Initiative to Enhance Atlantic Ocean Access for Sahel Countries. Sierra Leone commended the initiatives for their potential to promote regional integration, connectivity and sustainable development.
The ministers underscored the strategic importance of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, describing it as a major initiative for strengthening regional economic integration and addressing energy challenges across participating countries, including Sierra Leone.
They welcomed the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the gas pipeline project during the Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown in July 2026. The ministers said the project could contribute to unlocking the region’s industrial potential and addressing its energy deficit.
Both sides also welcomed Morocco’s promotion of South-South cooperation through various development initiatives, describing such cooperation as an important instrument for strengthening African solidarity and development.
The ministers agreed to enhance diplomatic coordination and consultations between the two countries within regional and international forums.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes.