RABAT, Dec. 26 -- Morocco and Niger signed here on Tuesday 16 cooperation agreements to bolster bilateral ties, according to the Moroccan Foreign Ministry's website.

These agreements were signed during the 4th Morocco-Niger joint bilateral commission, which was co-chaired by the Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Nigerien counterpart Ibrahim Yacoubou.

The agreements cover a variety of sectors, including economy, transport, health, justice, tourism and culture.

Speaking during the joint meeting, Bourita praised the vitality and richness of the Moroccan-Nigerien partnership, underlining that the commission will give new impetus to bilateral ties.

He also stressed the key role played by Niger in preserving stability and security in the Sahel region, recalling the increasing security challenges in this African region.

Yacoubou commended Morocco's continued support and active solidarity with Niger, underlining that the two countries are working together to make their bilateral relations a model of partnership at the African level as part of South-South cooperation.

He also hailed Morocco's return to the African Union (AU), saying that the readmission is an additional asset for the pan-African organization.

Niger's foreign minister also reiterated support to Morocco's request to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Morocco, which holds the status of observer at ECOWAS, requested membership of the organization in late February, a month after the kingdom rejoined the African Union.