The United States has officially acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, as articulated by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Landau during a recent press conference held in Rabat. This statement followed a significant meeting with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita. Landau's remarks underscore the U.S. commitment to Morocco’s autonomy proposal, which he described as credible and realistic, serving as the sole basis for a just and enduring resolution to the ongoing territorial dispute concerning the Sahara.
During his discussions with Minister Bourita, Landau reiterated the United States' unwavering support for American businesses seeking to invest and engage in economic activities within the Sahara. Moreover, he highlighted the active collaboration between the U.S. and the United Nations, as well as all involved parties, to facilitate a resolution to this long-standing conflict, as mandated by the latest Security Council resolution, Resolution 2797. Landau stressed the urgency of reaching a solution, indicating that the matter cannot remain unresolved indefinitely.
Prior to his visit to Morocco, Landau had also traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and other officials. This visit was part of a diplomatic tour aimed at communicating the Trump Administration’s dedication to resolving the Sahara conflict. The discussions in Algiers conveyed a clear message regarding the necessity for Algeria and the Polisario Front to accept Morocco’s autonomy proposal and engage in negotiations to find a solution. This would involve agreements facilitating the return of refugees to Moroccan Sahara and the dismantling of the Tindouf camps.
In terms of bilateral relations, Landau expressed appreciation for King Mohammed VI’s vision and leadership, which he believes are steering the 250-year partnership towards new and promising horizons, particularly alongside President Donald Trump. He emphasized the historical significance of the relationship between the United States and Morocco, noting that both nations have shared a common journey as strategic allies. The diplomat pointed out that the U.S. boasts the oldest diplomatic building in the world located in Tangier, while the newest one is set to open soon in Casablanca, symbolizing the enduring commitment and evolving partnership.
Landau expressed his enthusiasm regarding the expansion of the U.S.-Morocco alliance into the realm of space exploration. Following the signing of the Artemis Accords by Moroccan Minister Nasser Bourita, Landau remarked on the importance of this collaboration. The Artemis Accords represent a set of international guidelines aimed at ensuring that civil space exploration is conducted peacefully and cooperatively. They emphasize transparency among nations, the sharing of scientific knowledge, mutual assistance, and adherence to existing international laws concerning space resources. Furthermore, these accords highlight the protection of space heritage and the sustainability of space endeavors, with an overarching goal of preventing conflicts and ensuring that the benefits of exploration are shared by all of humanity.
As reported by atalayar.com.
