By: Fatou Krubally
Morocco’s Chargé d’Affaires and Head of Mission in Banjul, Ahmed Belhadj, has hailed the growing partnership between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Morocco while bidding farewell at the end of his four-year diplomatic mission.
Speaking at celebrations marking Morocco’s Throne Day at the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa in Bijilo on Thursday evening, Mr. Belhadj said the occasion commemorated the 26th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne and provided an opportunity to reflect on Morocco’s progress under the monarch’s leadership.
Addressing government officials, diplomats, development partners and members of the Moroccan community, he said Morocco has recorded significant achievements in economic development, social reform, infrastructure and diplomacy while maintaining political stability.
Mr. Belhadj said the Moroccan economy grew by 4.9 percent in 2025 despite global economic challenges, including drought and international crises.
He attributed the country’s economic performance to the growth of sectors such as automotive manufacturing, aviation, renewable energy, agri-food and tourism.
The envoy also highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Morocco’s high-speed rail network, the Tangier Med Port complex and the planned Dakhla Atlantic Port, which he said would strengthen the country’s position as a gateway linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.
On regional cooperation, Mr. Belhadj said Morocco continues to invest in education and human capital across Africa, noting that more than 25,000 African students are enrolled in Moroccan universities.
He also cited the Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic Gas Pipeline project as a strategic initiative expected to promote regional integration, improve energy access and stimulate economic development across West Africa.
Turning to bilateral relations, the envoy described The Gambia as one of Morocco’s closest partners in Africa and commended the cooperation between the two countries in education, agriculture, capacity building and human development.
“The Gambia has always been a steadfast supporter of Morocco, particularly regarding the Moroccan Sahara,” he said, adding that the two countries continue to coordinate closely within the African Union, ECOWAS and other international forums.
The celebration also marked Mr. Belhadj’s final public appearance as Head of Morocco’s diplomatic mission in The Gambia.
He thanked the Gambian government, the diplomatic community and the people of The Gambia for what he described as their hospitality and friendship during his four-year posting.
“Your warmth has made this country a second home to me,” he said.
Receiving the envoy’s remarks on behalf of the Gambian government, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Morocco.
He commended Morocco’s support to The Gambia in education, diplomacy, defence and agriculture, noting that the Kingdom awards more than 120 scholarships annually to Gambian students.
The ceremony concluded with a toast in honour of King Mohammed VI and the enduring friendship between Morocco and The Gambia, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.