Zambia, a long-time supporter of the Algerian-sponsored separatist thesis, is set to open a new chapter in its relations with Morocco marked by strong economic and political ties. The King’s visit to Zambia, started Sunday, comes after a successful visit to Ghana during which the King chaired the signing ceremony of 25 bilateral cooperation agreements. In keeping with a south-south cooperation policy in Africa underpinned by co-development and solidarity, Morocco had strengthened ties with countries that formerly espoused the separatists’ thesis, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria. The visit to Zambia is part of a momentum to extend Morocco’s cooperation model to the English-speaking African countries through the establishment of cooperation partnerships. Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has prioritized Africa in his foreign policy, making 46 visits to 25 African countries and presiding over the signing of nearly a thousand bilateral and multilateral agreements in various areas.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 20, 2017 16:52 UTC