Mali supports Morocco in Sahara Issue, Moroccan diplomat

Mali's stand on the Sahara issue has changed under president Alpha Omar Konare and now Bamako supports Morocco, said the Kingdom's ambassador to Mali, Mohamed Rachouk.

The diplomat, who was interviewed by "Assabah" daily, ascribed the change in Mali's stand to extensive efforts meant to shed light on the historical truths that Morocco's enemies are trying to veil and to divert.

Asked on economic ties between the two African countries, Rachouk said several Moroccan economic operators are prospecting the Malian market, especially in the sectors of construction, equipment and the food industry. He also called Moroccan investors to seize business opportunities available in Mali and the advantages offered there.

Of cultural exchanges, the diplomat recalled that Morocco is very active in the African country, where it has built a school and is offering an annual subsidy of 2 million DH (US$ 200,000) to help raise the schooling rate in northern Mali.