In a recent press briefing following discussions with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita,  Gambia ‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mamadou Tangara, emphatically reiterated his country’s unequivocal support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Tangara underscored Gambia’s unwavering commitment to Morocco, emphasizing their early establishment of a consulate general in Dakhla. He highlighted Gambia’s consistent stance in supporting the Kingdom in safeguarding its territorial integrity and asserting sovereignty over the Sahara.

During the briefing, Tangara took a moment to express gratitude for the “great surge” of solidarity demonstrated by the Moroccan people in the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake. He praised the proactive response of the Moroccan people and their mobilization behind His Majesty the King in aiding the earthquake victims and addressing the reconstruction challenges.

This reaffirmation of diplomatic ties and acknowledgment of shared solidarity not only strengthens bilateral relations but also reflects the enduring support between Gambia and Morocco.

Read Also: Morocco’s Ambassador Meets AU Commission Chair in Addis Ababa

The post Gambia Reaffirms Support for Moroccan Sahara Sovereignty appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

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.

Kuramitsu Hideaki, the Japanese ambassador in Rabat, congratulated King Mohammed VI on his twenty-fourth enthronement anniversary and underlined Japan’s position on the Western Sahara crisis. The envoy highlighted the importance of reaching a “prompt and peaceful resolution” to the matter through talks between the parties involved under the auspices of the United Nations.

In the letter published on July 30, Japan also stated its support for the mediation efforts being led by the UN Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Western Sahara, Mr. Staffan de Mistura.

“We take note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcome serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards the resolution of this issue, as expressed in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, including 1754 (2007),” stated the letter shared on the Japanese embassy’s official page.

The stability of Morocco has benefited Morocco’s economy, which has grown significantly in recent years.

With over 70 enterprises operating there, Japanese companies currently employ the bulk of the private sector workers in Morocco.

The two countries have developed cordial relations, and Japan wants to extend the already strong economic ties between them by expanding bilateral cooperation in a number of areas, including politics, social issues, and culture.

Since Morocco’s independence in 1956, there have been regular encounters between Japan and Morocco at all levels, including those involving the Imperial and Royal Families.

Noteworthy moments in the history of both nations include Crown Prince Naruhito’s visit to Morocco in 1991 and King Mohammed VI’s state visit to Japan in November 2005.

The trade volume between Japan and Morocco continues to surge, starting with marine merchandise and expanding to encompass all industries.

Diverse fields like economics, trade, science, technology, culture, and education have benefited from this expansion.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in its most recent annual report on February 20, 2022, that the Asian nation is interested in developing economic ties with Morocco and that it is working to do so.

At the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which took place in Tunisia on August 27 and 28, the separatists of the “Polisario” were criticized and Japan expressed its disapproval.

Back in September 2022, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated his country’s position that does not recognize the Sahara as a state, expressing regret over Morocco’s absence from the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

Amrani Boukhbza, a specialist in international relations, affirms that with Japan joining the “international tide supporting the autonomy plan,” Morocco will have gained more support from superpowers like the United States and the majority of European nations.

The same source claims that “the message of the Japanese ambassador carries political awareness of the reality of the fabricated Sahara conflict, as well as the importance of moving in the direction of the international tide, similar to the United States of America, and the rest of the European countries, which consider Moroccan efforts serious and realistic.”

Hicham Moatadid emphasized that “Japan’s diplomatic voice, its geopolitical position, in addition to its political dynamism at the level of its regional map, especially in international organizations, is an important factor, and a qualitative and vital addition to the dynamism that Morocco is managing regarding the Sahara file.”

The post Japan reiterates importance of resolving Sahara conflict, calls for peaceful negotiations appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

The Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its “absolute recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara,” highlighting the fact that it “considers favorably” constructing a Dominican consulate in the town of Dakhla.

The Dominican Minister of External Relations, Roberto Alvarez, wrote to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help Him, on behalf of the President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Mr. Luis Abinader, to inform him of his country’s stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, which was released on Saturday.

In this regard, the Dominican Republic “reiterates its absolute recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara,” the same source continued, noting that the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Relations “considers favorably” “the opening of a Dominican consulate in the city of Dakhla.”

The same source emphasized that the Dominican Republic “reaffirms that the autonomy initiative presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 constitutes the realistic, credible, and serious solution for reaching a negotiated agreement between the parties.”

The press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates concluded that the Dominican minister also informed his Moroccan counterpart that “President Luis Abinader has expressed the wish to pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, in order to further strengthen political, commercial, and cooperation ties” between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Dominican Republic.

Read also: Ambassador Amaury Justo Duarte: Dominican Republic working to establish SD-Morocco airline

The post Dominican Republic Reiterates ‘Absolute Recognition’ of the Moroccanness of Sahara, Considers Favorably Opening of Consulate in Dakhla appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

The spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lior Haiat, stated that Israel is committed to continuing to cooperate with Morocco to advance and solidify bilateral ties at all levels.

Haiat emphasized the need of elevating the diplomatic missions between the two nations to the status of embassies in an exclusive interview with Hespress in order to strengthen the ties between the governments and the citizens of Morocco and Israel.

“The good relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Israel strengthen the opportunities for regional stability and peace in the Middle East,” Haiat said. “Some countries prioritize conflict and violence over dialogue and peace. We must cooperate to deal with Iranian threats in the region.”

Israel just acknowledged Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, and Haiat was questioned about it. He said that a “serious and extensive dialogue” between the two nations led to the decision.

“We believe that strengthening relations between Israel and Morocco, including relations between the two governments, as well as strengthening trade, tourism and investment, is of great importance,” Haiat said. “I am convinced that the good relations between Israel and Morocco will help strengthen regional stability and achieve prosperity and well-being for the peoples of the two countries.”

The interview takes place as Israel and Morocco attempt to increase their collaboration in several areas, such as security, trade, and tourism. In recent months, Morocco and Israel inked several agreements on cooperation in the areas of water, agriculture, and health. Israel also appointed a military attaché to Morocco.

It is thought that the Middle East has changed significantly as a result of the closer connections between Israel and Morocco. The rekindled cooperation between the two nations is considered as a positive move towards regional peace and stability given the long history of their connections.

Read also: Autonomy Initiative Grants Moroccan Sahara Region Broad Executive Powers (Expert)

The post Lior Haiat to Hespress: Israel is determined to improve relations with Morocco appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Dr. Alan Howard, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the American University of Hawaii, stressed that the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative gives a list of clearly defined competencies designated to the Sahara autonomous zone, allowing the residents of the Sahara zone to handle their own affairs.

The expert stated that “the Moroccan Initiative presents a well-defined list of competences assigned to the Sahara autonomous region, allowing the population of the Sahara Region to manage their own affairs and respond to their own needs and aspirations, while respecting their cultural identity” at an international online research seminar on territorial autonomy held by Morocco’s Permanent Mission at the United Nations in New York.

Howard compared the Moroccan Sahara Autonomous Region Initiative to Rotuma’s model of autonomy (Oceania), noting that the latter has received support from UN Security Council members who view it as “a serious, credible, and pragmatic solution to put a definitive end to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.”

In contrast to the Rotuma Bills of 1959 and 2015, he added, Article 5 of the Morocco Initiative clearly announces a large set of powers, guarantees, and privileges that will be granted to the population of the Sahara Region in order for them to play a leading role in the bodies and institutions of the region. He also noted that Articles 12 and 13 present the broad range of areas over which the institutions of the Sahara Region will exercise powers and define the financial framework for the Sahara Region.

Howard noted that the Moroccan model acknowledges the distinctiveness of Sahrawi populations and commits to giving them the opportunity to manage their own affairs, which is a clear distinction between the two cases in terms of the recognition of ethnic populations as politically relevant groups.

He went on to say that the Moroccan Initiative for the Sahara Region is founded on the mutual acceptance of both Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region and the full autonomy of that region, pointing out that Articles 5 and 6 of the initiative stipulate that the Sahara populations will independently manage their own affairs democratically, through legislative, executive, and judicial bodies with exclusive powers.

The State will maintain its powers in the royal domains, particularly with regard to defense, external relations, and HM the King’s constitutional and religious prerogatives, he said. They will also have the financial resources required for the region’s development in all fields and will actively participate in the nation’s economic, social, and cultural life.

He added that once the autonomy status is established, the Sahrawi populations will not only be represented in their regional parliament and government but also in the national parliament and all national institutions, as the Moroccan Initiative supports an essential process of negotiation and reconciliation that will result in a lasting agreement based on principles of autonomy.

The numerous presenters at this conference discussed the different forms of autonomy found around the world. They emphasized the significance of encouraging frequent meetings with a view to enhancing and extending the various autonomous models around the world in order to adapt them to the requirements and aspirations of regional communities.

Read also: Following Israel’s recognition, the US reiterates its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara

The post Autonomy Initiative Grants Moroccan Sahara Region Broad Executive Powers (Expert) appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has reiterated its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, stating that the Kingdom’s autonomy plan is “the unique solution” to finally put an end to the regional Sahara dispute.

This stance was stated in a joint statement made following discussions held in Rabat on Friday between Nasser Bourita, the minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates, and Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who is currently in the Kingdom on a working visit.

In this context, Gonsalves praised Morocco for its dedication to the political process run by the UN and the Kingdom’s full cooperation with Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for the Sahara.

A realistic, practical, and long-lasting political resolution to the regional conflict over the Sahara was also praised as being possible only within the framework of the UN.

According to the joint statement, Bourita updated Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister on the most recent developments regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the ongoing political process intended to find a fair and lasting resolution to this manufactured conflict.

Gonsalves met with Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government, while in Morocco.

Read Also: Following Israel’s recognition, the US reiterates its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara

The post St. Vincent and the Grenadines Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity and Considers the Autonomy Plan ‘Unique Solution’ to the Moroccan Sahara Issue appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

The American State Department’s Matthew Miller reiterated the country’s steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara during a press conference in Washington on Tuesday.

Miller stressed that the U.S. had already adopted this position in December 2020 and that there has been no change since then in response to questions regarding Israel’s recent recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty.

Miller made it very apparent that there is no place for doubt or change in the U.S. government’s position that the Moroccan Sahara is an essential component of Morocco.

There is nothing more to say, he claimed, other than to note that the United States took this action in December 2020 and that nothing has changed since then.

In the meantime, we wholeheartedly support Staffan de Mistura’s efforts as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy to find a just and long-lasting political settlement to the Western Sahara conflict.

During the press conference that followed the meeting between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, a reporter’s query prompted the spokesperson to respond.

This meeting took place after Israel formally acknowledged Morocco’s complete sovereignty over its southern provinces and announced its desire to establish a consulate in Dakhla.

Miller said he is not currently keeping track of the development of the idea to open a U.S. consulate in Dakhla, which has been delayed.

The restart of relations between Morocco and Israel, he pointed out, has been a definite good development, and the United States is still working to widen the circle of peace partners.

Read Also: His Majesty the King: Israel’s Decision to Recognize Kingdom’s Sovereignty over its Sahara and to Favorably Consider Opening a Consulate in Dakhla Is ‘Both Just and Far-Sighted’

The post Following Israel’s recognition, the US reiterates its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has sent a message to the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Mr. Benyamin Netanyahu, in which the Sovereign affirms that the State of Israel’s “important” decision to recognize the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its Sahara and to favorably consider the opening of a Consulate in the city of Dakhla is “both just and far-sighted.”

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for your letter informing me of the State of Israel’s decision to recognize the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its Sahara, and to favorably consider the opening of a Consulate in the city of Dakhla,” emphasizes His Majesty the King in this message, adding that this decision “has been warmly welcomed by the Moroccan people and the nation’s driving forces.”

His Majesty the King points out that the Moroccan Sahara issue is “the national cause of the Kingdom and is the priority of our foreign policy,” adding that “your important decision is both just and far-sighted.”

“It is just in that it reaffirms Morocco’s legal entitlement to, and irrefutable historical rights over, its Saharan Provinces,” notes the Sovereign, adding that “the definite jurisdiction of the Moroccan State and the legal ties of allegiance which have existed, since time immemorial, between the Kings of Morocco and the Moroccan populations inhabiting these territories – which have always been so dear to the hearts of Morocco’s Monarchs – are both well-established and undeniable.”

“Your decision is also far-sighted because it is in line with the irreversible international dynamic that has seen many countries, from all parts of the world, backing a final solution to this anachronistic regional dispute, on the basis of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara region, within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” continues His Majesty the King.

The Sovereign also recalls that since December 2020, bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Israel have gone from strength to strength in all sectors.

“The momentum characterizing our ties is unprecedented, be it in terms of the exchange of visits by officials and the business community, the development of the bilateral framework, the diversification of our cooperation or the consolidation of trade relations,” notes His Majesty the King, welcoming the fact that the deep human bonds that exist between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Israel – notably through the Jewish community of Moroccan origin – have been serving as a catalyst.

The Sovereign expresses his confidence that the clear position taken by Mr. Netanyahu, on behalf of the State of Israel, regarding the Moroccanness of the Sahara “will contribute to closer ties between Morocco and Israel,” assuring him of His firm and unwavering commitment.

“As I indicated during our telephone conversation on 25 December 2020, you are welcome to visit Morocco on a mutually agreed date, to be determined through diplomatic channels,” His Majesty the King stresses in the message.

In this context, the Sovereign affirms that this meeting “will open up new possibilities for bilateral relations between Morocco and Israel” and “will also be an opportunity to promote the prospects of peace for all peoples in the region, bearing in mind the content of the Tripartite Declaration signed on 22 December 2020 by the Kingdom of Morocco, the United States of America and the State of Israel, including the principles which should guide the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

Read Also: Israeli Ambassadors’ Club President: “Israel’s Decision, a ‘Strong’, ‘Clear’ Signal to the International Community”

The post His Majesty the King: Israel’s Decision to Recognize Kingdom’s Sovereignty over its Sahara and to Favorably Consider Opening a Consulate in Dakhla Is ‘Both Just and Far-Sighted’ appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.

Yitzhak Eldan, president and founder of the Israeli Ambassadors’ Club, emphasized that the State of Israel’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is a “strong” and “clear” statement to the rest of the world.

Eldan referred to Israel’s acknowledgment of the Moroccan Sahara as a “very important” diplomatic move that other nations could emulate.

In a statement to MAP, the former representative to the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and Denmark said, “This is a diplomatic breakthrough for Morocco, a decision of historic significance that will strengthen international recognition of the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahara.”

The former Israeli ambassador continued, “Israel has pledged to make every effort to ensure that this “well-considered” decision is communicated to the international organizations of which it is a member, as well as to all countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This pledge was made through the voice of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr. Eldan emphasized the significance of supporting the Kingdom in such a significant matter and welcomed this recognition, which will strengthen the Moroccan position and contribute to the growth of “positive” relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv in a number of areas, especially in the area of investment by luring additional investors to the southern provinces.

Having an Israeli diplomatic mission in Dakhla, in his opinion, will strengthen Morocco’s status as the “gateway to Africa” by fostering trade and investment in the area.

The former ambassador lauded Morocco’s cohabitation model and voiced the hope that Israel’s acceptance of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara “could bring peace to the region.”

Read also: MEP Applauds Israel’s ‘Important’ and ‘Historic’ Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty over the Sahara

The post Israeli Ambassadors’ Club President: “Israel’s Decision, a ‘Strong’, ‘Clear’ Signal to the International Community” appeared first on Morocco Telegraph.