Rabat: Strengthening cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Liberia in maritime fisheries and aquaculture took center stage during talks on Friday in Rabat between Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries Zakia Driouich and Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) J. Cyrus Saygbe. Aligned with the South-South cooperation momentum advocated by HM King Mohammed VI, the meeting served to examine the achievements of bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector, particularly in scientific research, capacity building, and technical assistance.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, both officials welcomed the success of the oceanographic research campaign conducted by Morocco’s National Fisheries Research Institute (INRH) in Liberian waters, as well as various training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives organized for Liberian officials and executives. Discussions also tackled future cooperation in several priority areas, including fisher
ies resource assessments, aquaculture development, seafood processing, enhancing technical and professional skills, and upgrading artisanal fishing infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, Driouich reaffirmed Morocco’s readiness to share its expertise in sustainable fisheries management, marine research, aquaculture, seafood processing and marketing, as well as the development of fisheries infrastructure. Recalling the highly positive outcomes of her official visit to Liberia two years prior, the Secretary of State expressed a shared commitment to building on these achievements and materializing the Royal Vision for sustainable African co-development.
For his part, Saygbe highlighted Morocco’s long-standing and significant support for his country, describing the current momentum as highly positive and calling for its continuous reinforcement. He emphasized the strategic importance for Liberia to leverage Moroccan expertise in fisheries and the blue economy, which he identified as vital drivers for job creatio
n.
Driouich and Saygbe further underscored the need for closer coordination and cooperation within relevant regional and international organizations. They specifically highlighted the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation between African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT), alongside other African initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable ocean governance and marine resource management.
Following the meeting, Saygbe visited the National Fishing Vessel Monitoring Center, where he was briefed on vessel tracking and control systems, as well as various technological tools used to monitor maritime fishing activities. He also received detailed overviews of the center’s operations regarding vessel movement tracking, alongside ongoing efforts to safeguard marine resources and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.