Colombia has officially changed its position regarding the Western Sahara issue, affirming its recognition of the Kingdom of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern regions. This significant announcement was made on Friday during a meeting between Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, and Colombia's Vice President, José Manuel Restrepo, alongside Foreign Relations Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
During this meeting, Bula Escobar stated that Colombia "recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over its desert territories," thereby marking a new direction in Colombia’s stance on this contentious matter. Restrepo emphasized that this declaration represents a "new beginning" in the diplomatic relations between Colombia and Morocco, highlighting that Morocco is considered Colombia's "main ally in Africa." He expressed his country’s desire to establish a strategic partnership with Morocco.
In response, Bourita characterized Colombia's decision to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" and to acknowledge Morocco's sovereignty as a "historic" move. He asserted that this decision will provide a "strong boost" to bilateral relations between the two nations. Bourita also underscored the potential for Morocco and Colombia to become reciprocal economic platforms by leveraging their strategic locations in Africa and Latin America.
In conclusion, Bourita remarked that his presence in Cali, representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the inauguration ceremony of the new president, Abelardo de la Esprilla, reflects Morocco's intent to support this new dynamic and elevate Moroccan-Colombian relations to a higher level.
As reported by medi1tv.com.
