In this respect, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, who took part in the meeting on Thursday, said that this “Royal Initiative is a win-win approach and a fine example of South-South cooperation.”

“There is no better solidarity than this and we appreciate the fair value of this unrivaled initiative,” said the Nigerien Minister, adding that the issues of infrastructure and access to the sea are the major difficulties facing the Sahel countries.

He added that this “good initiative,” aimed at facilitating access to the sea for these countries and putting Morocco's road and airport infrastructure at their disposal, will enable the Sahel States' products to be supplied and gain access to the international market.

Morocco is an important country for Niger and for the Alliance of Sahel States in general,” stressed Niger's top diplomat, adding that the initiative would also help to diversify the supply ports of the countries in the region.

Highlighting the fruitful cooperation between Morocco and Niger, Sangaré described the Kingdom as a strategic partner, particularly in the economic, banking, security and religious fields.

For his part, Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, saw the royal initiative to promote access to the Atlantic Ocean as an opportunity that was welcomed by the Sahel countries.

This initiative is an opportunity to set up infrastructures and means of communication that will enable the landlocked countries of the Sahel to connect to world trade, explained Diop in a statement to MAP.

“There is technical work in progress, and we hope that the infrastructures that will be put in place will benefit all the populations of the zone, and will strengthen trade between Morocco and our countries, as well as giving our countries access to Europe and other international markets,” added Mali top diplomat.

For his part, Gambia's Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara, said that the Royal Initiative would help promote prosperity in the Sahel region, noting that “without prosperity, there can be no stability or peace.”

Tangara also praised the exemplary cooperation between Morocco and the Gambia, expressing his gratitude to HM the King on behalf of the President and people of the Gambia for the considerable support Morocco had given to the success of the 15th OIC Summit, held last May in Banjul.