Morocco Hands Over Mohammed VI Vocational Training Complex to Mali, Reinforcing Bilateral Cooperation
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI of Morocco has ordered the handover of the Mohammed VI Vocational Training Complex to the Malian authorities, underscoring Morocco’s continued commitment to supporting education, skills development, and South-South cooperation across Africa.
According to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), the state-of-the-art vocational training complex offers specialized education in a range of sectors, including construction, public works, hospitality, tourism, and catering. Developed by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sustainable Development, the facility spans a 5,200-square-meter site and is designed to accommodate nearly 1,000 trainees annually through 21 vocational training programs.
The complex includes programs in construction and public works, alongside nine specialized courses focused on tourism, hospitality, and catering, aiming to equip young people with practical skills to meet labor market demands.
Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita said the King’s decision reflects His Majesty’s special attention to the aspirations of Malian youth and African youth more broadly. Speaking during a visit to the complex, Bourita noted that the initiative also aligns with Morocco’s long-standing South-South cooperation policy, which seeks to strengthen development partnerships across the African continent.
Bourita is currently in Bamako to co-chair the fourth session of the Morocco-Mali Joint Cooperation Commission alongside Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop.
Mali’s Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Oumou Sall Seck, welcomed the initiative and conveyed the gratitude of Mali’s transitional president and head of state to King Mohammed VI. She described the handover of the vocational training complex as a highly significant gesture that reflects the historic ties of friendship and solidarity between Morocco and Mali.
Seck said the project will play a vital role in strengthening Mali’s human capital by providing vocational training in strategic sectors essential for the country’s socio-economic development.
Morocco and Mali have continued to deepen bilateral relations in recent years, with cooperation expanding across political, economic, and development sectors. The partnership gained further momentum following Mali’s decision in April to withdraw recognition of the self-proclaimed “SADR” and endorse Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the sole political solution to the Western Sahara dispute.
During Friday’s meetings, Mali reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s position and reiterated its commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations.
