Guinea-Bissau's Strong Stance on Morocco's Territorial Integrity
Guinea-Bissau has once again expressed its unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty concerning its southern provinces in Western Sahara. This reaffirmation came during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, as articulated by the country's Foreign Minister, Fatumata Jau. In her statement to the media, she emphasized Guinea-Bissau's steadfast position regarding the Moroccan Sahara, clearly stating, "Guinea-Bissau would like to reiterate its consistent position in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara." This strong declaration underscores the nation's commitment to Morocco's claims and its advocacy for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a viable resolution to the long-standing regional dispute.
Minister Jau also highlighted an important milestone in diplomatic relations, recalling that Guinea-Bissau inaugurated a Consulate General in Dakhla in 2020, which serves to further solidify its support for Morocco. She reiterated that the autonomy plan presented by Morocco stands as the only feasible solution to the regional conflict. Furthermore, Jau welcomed Security Council Resolution 2797, aligning her country with United Nations initiatives aimed at finding a solution that respects Moroccan sovereignty, stating that Guinea-Bissau's position is unequivocal and consistent.
Ongoing Support and Diplomatic Engagements
The commitment of Guinea-Bissau to Morocco's stance on Western Sahara has been evident in previous engagements. In June, during discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat, Jau reiterated that her nation’s position remains "firm and unchanged," reinforcing its backing for Morocco's sovereignty and the Autonomy Plan. During this meeting, she expressed her support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which she linked to promoting the Autonomy Plan as a framework for a political settlement.
This recent declaration in New York builds upon earlier affirmations of support, including those made in May by then-Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo Vieira, who described Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most promising pathway to achieving a credible and realistic resolution to the ongoing dispute. Guinea-Bissau's consistent advocacy for Morocco's territorial claims serves not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also to enhance regional stability in the context of the Western Sahara issue.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
