Chile's Support for Moroccan Sovereignty
In a significant diplomatic development, Chile has officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, joining other South American nations such as Honduras and Colombia in this stance. This endorsement was made public through a joint statement released after discussions between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Chilean counterpart, Francisco Pérez Mackenna, held in New York on September 21, coinciding with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Moroccan news agency MAP, this new position marks a pivotal moment in Chile's foreign policy regarding the longstanding territorial dispute in the region.
Economic Cooperation and Political Solutions
The joint statement outlined Chile's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations by promoting economic and commercial opportunities specifically within the Moroccan Sahara. This initiative aims to strengthen investments, trade, and productive development in the area, which is crucial for both nations. Furthermore, Chile expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy proposal introduced in 2007, describing it as a foundational step towards a "just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution" to the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. Historically, Chile has refrained from recognizing the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" (SADR), despite numerous lobbying efforts from the Polisario Front within its parliamentary structures.
The shift in Chilean policy is notable, especially under the leadership of President José Antonio Kast, who has been in office since March 11, representing a far-right political movement that he established in 2019. This recognition not only reinforces Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara but also reflects a broader trend of international support for Morocco's autonomy initiative, which aims to resolve decades of territorial disputes peacefully.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
