Bourita: Morocco, South Africa Called Upon to Strengthen their Cooperation

According to Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, it is now more vital for Morocco and South Africa to work together to expand chances to better understand each other’s political, economic, and geopolitical realities.

Bourita stated in an exclusive interview with The Star, one of South Africa’s top newspapers, published on Monday, “I strongly think that the development of connections between South Africa and Morocco would be for the good of the continent.”

“Morocco believes that working together in a sound and balanced manner will empower Africa in the international arena,” he said, adding that the country has been “calling for more effective solidarity, co-operation, and coordination in Africa, to enable our continent to be more resilient and well-prepared for contingencies and emergencies.”

Mr. Bourita said, “We continue to strive toward improved relations with Pretoria.” “Both South Africa and Morocco are well-known performers and participants on the African continent and beyond. They have a vested stake in realizing the immense potential they possess.

Morocco and South Africa have been “called upon to play important roles in the African integration process,” according to Morocco’s Foreign Minister, who added that the two nations have been “the continent’s greatest investors, as well as the largest in their respective areas.”

“Morocco and South Africa are among the very few African nations that presently have the means and know-how to properly handle the demands of the African continent in COVID vaccines and medical equipment,” Mr. Bourita said.

“The Star” remembered that “the Kingdom of Morocco was among the staunchest backers of the African National Congress (ANC)” in the two African countries’ shared history. “Nelson Mandela and South African liberation fighters used to train in the eastern region of Morocco, between the cities of Oujda and Berkane,” according to Mr. Bourita.

“The existence of diversity of opinion is a positive thing,” Mr. Bourita stated. But, sadly, our Pretoria brothers’ stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue has too frequently gone beyond a difference of opinion and into adversity.”

Morocco has always been ready to discussion as long as it is based on mutual respect and a genuine desire to improve ties and bring them to their full potential, according to the minister.

When asked about the Moroccan Sahara, Mr. Bourita stated that “since 2007, all UN Security Council resolutions, including the most recent, resolution 2548, have backed the Moroccan approach by highlighting the preeminence of the autonomy plan, its seriousness, and credibility.”

“In reality, the autonomy plan, meaning autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, is the one and only path ahead for a definitive solution to this regional dispute,” he continued.

The Moroccan Foreign Minister emphasized the need of being “aware of the facts on the ground,” such as the growing number of nations who acknowledge Morocco’s complete sovereignty over the Sahara.

“Fifty nations from all continents have voiced unambiguous support for the Moroccan Initiative for Autonomy in the Sahara,” he said. Twenty-five nations from Africa, Asia, and the Americas have established general consulates in the Moroccan Sahara’s two major towns, Laayoune and Dakhla.”