In a recent follow-up meeting of the “Tangier Appeal” at the MEDays Forum, five distinguished former African foreign ministers, including David J. Francis, Urbino Botelho, Ezechiel Nibigira, Albert Mabri Toikeusse, and Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, added their signatures to the initiative started on November 4, 2022, in Tangier. This brings the total number of signatories to 23 since its launch a year ago.

The signatories, who previously led the diplomacy of Sierra Leone, Sao Tome & Principe, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, initiated regional discussions aimed at expelling the so-called “SADR” from the African Union.

During the meeting, the signatories expressed their satisfaction with the initiative’s continental impact and growing momentum. They reiterated their dedication to working towards the “urgent exclusion” of the non-state entity “SADR” from the African Union.

The commitment in Africa to support Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara was also acknowledged by the signatories. They highlighted the significance of opening new consulates general in Dakhla and Laâyoune, emphasizing the vitality of pan-African dialogue and the shared desire to overcome historical divisions for a prosperous future in Africa.

The signatories applauded UN Security Council Resolution 2703, recognizing that the Sahara conflict requires a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution. They endorsed the pragmatic, realistic, and compromise spirit embodied in the Moroccan autonomy plan.

Read Also: Azerbaijan Strongly Backs Morocco’s Territorial Integrity

Affirming their full support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the sole solution for the definitive settlement of the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, the signatories called for comprehensive adherence from the African and international community. They urged global support to bring an end to the long-standing conflict.

The “Tangier Appeal” signatories reiterated their unwavering commitment to achieving the expulsion of the so-called “SADR” from the African Union. They emphasized that this is a crucial step to restore impartiality and credibility to the Pan-African Organization on the Moroccan Sahara issue.

The post Tangier’s Appeal: Five New Supporters Urge SADR Expulsion from AU appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Azerbaijan has reiterated its “permanent and unwavering” support for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its Sahara and its territorial integrity.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Azerbaijani colleague, Jeyhun Bayramov, co-chaired the Joint Cooperation Commission’s second session on Monday in Rabat, where this stance was presented.

The Azerbaijani side stated in the meeting minutes that it is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and that it supports the UN and the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy in their efforts to find a just and lasting political solution to the Sahara issue. These efforts are based on the pertinent resolutions of the UN Security Council, most notably Resolution 2703, the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, and the sincere and legitimate efforts being made by Morocco to end this fabricated conflict.

The document claims that Morocco and Azerbaijan’s relations have achieved a pinnacle of excellence, marked by mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and support for each other on matters of critical importance to the two friendly nations.

The same source states that President Ilham Aliyev and His Majesty King Mohammed VI are especially keen to expand and enhance these ties for the prosperity and welfare of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Morocco.

Read Also: Moroccan Sahara: Germany Reiterates Support for Autonomy Plan as Serious and Credible Effort of Morocco and ‘Very Good Basis’ for Resolving Dispute over Sahara

The post Azerbaijan Strongly Backs Morocco’s Territorial Integrity appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

On Monday in Dakhla, the Republic of Guinea reiterated its “firm and constant” support for the Kingdom of Morocco’s territorial integrity and its support for the autonomy plan initiative put forth by the Kingdom as the “only credible and realistic solution” to the Moroccan Sahara conflict.

This stance was stated in a joint statement that was released at the conclusion of the seventh session of the Morocco-Guinea Joint Cooperation Commission, which was co-chaired in Dakhla by Nasser Bourita, minister of foreign affairs, and Morissanda Kouyaté, minister of foreign affairs, African integration, and Guineans Abroad.

Kouyaté also commended UN efforts as the only framework that may lead to an amicable, practical, and long-lasting resolution to the Sahara regional problem.

The Republic of Guinea will open a consulate general in Dakhla in January 2020, according to the Guinean FM, who also emphasized that this is consistent with its previous position.

Read Also: Govrin back as head of Israeli liaison office in Morocco

The post Guinea reaffirms support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and Sahara autonomy plan appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

On Thursday, Germany confirmed its support for the Moroccan autonomy proposal for the Sahara, which was first presented in 2007. Germany described the plan as a “very good basis for a solution accepted by the parties” and a “serious and credible” attempt by the Kingdom.

The head of German diplomacy, Annalena Baerbock, reiterated Germany’s “long-standing support for the UN-led process for a realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution” at the conclusion of her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, on a working visit to Germany.

The relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which have noted the role and responsibility of the parties in the search for a practical, long-lasting, compromise-based political solution, were supported once again by the two ministers, who also reiterated their shared position in favor of the “exclusivity” of the UN in the political process.

The two nations also reiterated their support for Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, and his efforts to advance the political process in accordance with the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions.

Read Also: Climate Action: Morocco, Long-standing Leader Thanks to HM the King’s Initiatives (German FM)

The post Moroccan Sahara: Germany Reiterates Support for Autonomy Plan as Serious and Credible Effort of Morocco and ‘Very Good Basis’ for Resolving Dispute over Sahara appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Rabat – Malta considers the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process aimed at advancing towards a definitive resolution of the Sahara question.

In a Joint Declaration adopted following discussions in Rabat with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, the position was made known by Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, who was on a working visit to the Kingdom.

Malta calls on all parties in the aforementioned Joint Declaration to show greater political will in support of a conclusive resolution and to rejoin UN efforts in an atmosphere of realism and compromise.

The UN-led process for a fair, sustainable, and amenable political resolution for the parties was also reaffirmed by the Maltese minister, according to the statement.

The two ministers reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolutions 2602 and 2654, which acknowledged the role and responsibility of the parties in the search for a realistic, practical, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, and they agreed that the UN should be the only institution involved in the political process.

Read Also: Malta Commends Morocco’s Major Reforms under HM the king’s Leadership

The post Malta Considers Autonomy Plan Presented by Morocco as Serious, Credible Contribution to Definitive Resolution of Sahara Issue (Joint Declaration) appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Bali – Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed, before the members of the UN Committee of 24 (C-24) in Bali, its support for the autonomy initiative in the Moroccan Sahara which constitutes the solid basis for a lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Speaking at the C-24 Pacific Regional Seminar in Indonesia’s Bali (May 24-26), Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Fred Sarufa, stressed that the plan presented by Morocco in 2007 was in line with key provisions of the UN Charter and Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

The diplomat further expressed encouragement for the growing international support for the autonomy plan, stressing that more than 100 UN member states support this “credible” and “committed” initiative.

He also reiterated his country’s support for the UN-led political process under the aegis of the UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, aimed at finding a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to this artificial conflict.

The Papuan diplomate welcomed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to facilitate the UN political process and urged Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario to resume the roundtable discussions in the same format, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2654.

He also welcomed the participation of the democratically re-elected representatives of the people of the southern provinces in the two roundtables in Geneva, in the C-24 regional seminar for the fifth consecutive session and in the annual sessions of the same Committee.

Read Also: St. Kitts and Nevis Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

The post C-24: Papua New Guinea Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Sahara appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Portugal reiterated its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan on Friday, praising it as a serious and reliable foundation for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.

During the 14th High-Level Meeting, which took place today in Lisbon as part of the two nations’ commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, the Portuguese government reiterated its position on the Moroccan request for autonomy.

The meeting was co-chaired by Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Portuguese support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal was emphasized in a joint statement issued after the meeting, along with Lisbon’s support for the UN-led political process aiming to find a politically negotiated, fair, and long-lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

“The two parties agreed on the exclusive competence of the United Nations in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2654, which referred to the role and responsibility of the parties in seeking a realistic, practical, and long-lasting political solution based on consensus,” the statement was cited as saying by Morocco’s state media MAP.

Portugal is one of a rising number of nations that see Morocco’s bid for autonomy as a genuine and reliable foundation for resolving the Sahara conflict. Portugal, Spain, Germany, the United States, and several more nations in Africa and the Arab world have also endorsed the Moroccan idea.

Portugal and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to working together during the high-level conference by signing 12 cooperation agreements covering a variety of fields, including security, justice, tourism, and the environment, among others.

Portugal praised Morocco’s growth, openness, and modernity at the summit and emphasized King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

The joint statements emphasized Portugal’s view of Morocco as a reliable regional and global player, highlighting its “decisive role” in fostering peace, security, and development in the Atlantic and Mediterranean area, as well as in the Sahel Sahara region and throughout Africa.

Portugal also highlighted Morocco’s assistance in local and global campaigns to combat terrorism and extremism.

Read Also: Portugal Eager to Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Morocco

The post Portugal Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

The Kingdom of Cambodia expressed, Monday in Rabat, its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco as well as its respect for Morocco’s efforts to reach a negotiated political solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue.

https://twitter.com/MarocDiplomatie/status/1640381246139236356?s=20

This position was expressed in a joint statement issued after talks between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn.

“The Kingdom of Cambodia fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco and respects its efforts to reach a negotiated political solution to this regional conflict,” said Mr. Sokhonn, who is paying an official visit to Morocco on 27-28 March 2023, at the invitation of Mr. Bourita.

According to the joint statement, the Cambodian Foreign Minister also stressed Cambodia’s full support for the efforts undertaken by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan De Mistura, which are in line with the parameters of the relevant Security Council resolutions on this issue.

In this regard, the Cambodian deputy prime minister welcomed the “serious, realistic and credible” efforts deployed by Morocco.

Read Also: Moroccan Sahara: Austria Considers Autonomy Plan as Serious and Credible Basis for Solution

The post Sahara: Cambodia expresses full support to Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

The head of American diplomacy, Antony Blinken, reaffirmed, Monday, his country’s support to the Moroccan autonomy plan to definitively close the regional conflict around the Sahara, noting that the United States “continues” to consider this plan as “serious, credible and realistic“.

“The Secretary noted that the United States continues to consider Morocco’s autonomy plan as serious, credible, and realistic,” said the State Department spokesman in a statement issued after the talks held in Washington between the head of American diplomacy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, Nasser Bourita.

During their talks, the statement said, the Secretary of State and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad “affirmed their full support for the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, in promoting a lasting and dignified political solution” to this regional conflict.

Bourita is on a working visit to Washington as part of ongoing consultations to consolidate the strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States and to consult on various regional and international issues.

Read Also: Antony Blinken: “Morocco is an important force for stability, peace, progress and moderation”

The post US reaffirms its support to Moroccan autonomy plan as “serious, credible and realistic” (Blinken) appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Rabat – The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Michele Sison, reiterated on Wednesday in Rabat the support of the United States to the Moroccan autonomy plan as a serious, credible and realistic solution to the dispute over the Sahara.

Following her discussions with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Sison stated at a press conference that the United States continues to view the autonomy plan put out by Morocco as serious, credible, and practical.

The U.S. official continued that the country’s top aim is to back a legitimate process that would end the Sahara dispute in dignity and permanently and with the backing of the international community.

https://twitter.com/Marocdiplo_EN/status/1618208254865330176?s=20&t=wZ9q4mTkIQZOICylge4WdA

She claimed the meeting’s main topic was maintaining American support for Staffan de Mistura in his capacity as the UN Secretary-special General’s representative for the Sahara.

Additionally, she added, the conversations focused on “our strong support” for MINURSO’s peacekeeping initiatives and how crucial they were to maintaining the framework for the UN-sponsored peace process.

Read Also: Spain’s PM highlights the “Strategic Importance” of maintaining “Best Relations” with Morocco

The post U.S. Reiterates Support for Autonomy Plan As Serious, Credible and Realistic Solution appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.