WASHINGTON ANNOUNCES BEGINNING OF PROCESS TO ESTABLISH US CONSULATE IN DAKHLA
US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has announced the beginning of the process to open a US consulate in Dakhla, with the immediate inauguration of a virtual presence post.
“In accordance with President Trump’s proclamation on the recognition of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over the Sahara, the State Department announces that it has started the process of creating an American consulate in the region”, indicated M Pompeo in a press release.
“Effective immediately we are inaugurating a virtual presence post,” said the US top diplomat, noting that this post, which will focus on promoting economic and social development, will soon be followed by a fully operational consulate.This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat, he said.
Pompeo noted that the United States looks forward to this increased commitment and will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the problems between Morocco and the polisario within the framework of the Moroccan autonomy plan.
The decision to open a US consulate in Dakhla was announced on December 10 after a telephone conversation between King Mohammed VI and US President, Donald Trump.