Ties with Sao Tome and Principe, which encompass several areas such as political dialogue, economic cooperation and training, will be further strengthened in the future, said Bourita during a press briefing with his Santomean counterpart Elsa Teixeira de Barros Pinto.

He added that the opening of a consulate general of Sao Tome and Principe in Laayoune is part of the "great development" that relations between the two countries have experienced in recent years.

It is a diplomatic gesture of great symbolism which confirms the continued support of this African country for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, he added.

During talks with de Barros Pinto, it was agreed to sign, next month in Addis Ababa, a roadmap for cooperation between the two countries, Bourita said.

He noted that Morocco has given 30 training grants to Santomean students in Laayoune in different fields, knowing that 210 students from this African country are already pursuing their studies in the cities of Rabat, Fez and Casablanca.

During a joint press briefing with his Central African counterpart Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, Bourita reiterated Morocco's commitment to multifaceted support for the CAR, one of the countries that have always backed Morocco and its sovereignty over its Sahara.

"Between the two countries, there is solidarity through action," said the minister, who recalled the kingdom's support for the CAR to strengthen the stabilization and development process.

He also highlighted the importance of coordinating positions and identifying cooperation actions between the two "brotherly states and allies".

Bourita had chaired, in the morning with his counterparts from Sao Tome and Principe and the Central African Republic, the opening ceremony of the consulates general of these two countries in Laayoune.