Moroccan Sahara: Colombia Announces Shift in Position and Recognizes Morocco’s Sovereignty over its Sahara
ALDAR/
Colombia has announced a change in its position on the Sahara issue, affirming its recognition of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its Southern Provinces.
The new position was announced on Friday during a meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and Colombia’s Vice President, José Manuel Restrepo, which was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Bula Escobar.
On the occasion, Mr. Bula Escobar stated that Colombia “recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” thereby marking a new direction in Colombia’s position on the issue.
For his part, Mr. Restrepo stressed that the announcement represents “a new beginning” in relations between Colombia and Morocco, describing the Kingdom as “Colombia’s first ally in Africa.”
In this regard, he expressed his country’s desire to establish a strategic partnership with Morocco.
For his part, Mr. Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the so-called “SADR” and recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara as “historic,” stressing that the move could provide “a major boost” to bilateral relations.
He also noted that Morocco and Colombia could serve as economic platforms for one another by leveraging their respective positions in Africa and Latin America.
Mr. Bourita further stated that his presence in Cali, pursuant to the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to represent the Sovereign at the inauguration ceremony of the new President, Abelardo de la Espriella, reflects the Kingdom’s determination to support this new momentum and elevate Moroccan-Colombian relations to a higher level.
