On Friday in Rabat, the Swiss Federal Advisor, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, praised the excellent level of bilateral relations and the positive dynamic that have characterized their partnership since the adoption of the joint declaration in 2021.

They stressed the significance of the joint declaration, which was signed in December 2021 in Berne, as a roadmap for enhancing these bilateral relations in all sectors during a news conference after their talks.

In this regard, Cassis emphasized that today’s visit was a perfect chance to assess this bilateral cooperation in light of the signing of the joint statement, which was meant to be fruitful and rich in outcomes beyond its symbolic significance in commemorating the 100th anniversary of bilateral relations.

In addition, he emphasized the two nations’ “solid and more than a century-old” deep friendship, noting that Morocco and Switzerland had just celebrated their 100th year of diplomatic relations two years prior in Berne. He also reiterated his nation’s desire to further develop ties with the Kingdom.

He described this assessment as “very positive” and mentioned that the two nations had signed a climate cooperation pact over the previous 18 months on the eve of the COP 27 Climate Conference, which would be hosted in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022. In a similar vein, a memorandum of understanding on education and research has been adopted, in addition to the formation of a Moroccan-Swiss parliamentary friendship group, which will improve communication between the two nations.

The Swiss official emphasized that Morocco “plays a significant role on the international and multilateral scene, such as within the UN and the Human Rights Council,” and that in such a short period of time the two countries had succeeded in developing stable, growing, and fruitful bilateral cooperation, which will enable them to meet regional and geopolitical challenges.

For his part, Bourita commended the strength of the two countries’ relations, describing them as “excellent and promising” and characterized by a very good dynamic. He added that this visit would help to further advance and elevate the two nations’ collaboration.

The minister expressed the Kingdom’s satisfaction with the manner in which the obligations specified in the declaration have been carried out, saying that “since the adoption of the joint declaration, there has been a very positive synergy that has given a new impetus to Moroccan-Swiss cooperation.”

He emphasized that “His Majesty King Mohammed VI attaches great importance to diversifying the Kingdom’s partnerships with all countries, particularly within Europe,” and that “the improvement of relations with Switzerland is in line with the implementation of Royal Directives.”

On this occasion, the two ministers welcomed the close cooperation between the two nations in the area of migration while noting with delight the strengthening of political dialogue, distinguished by frequent consultations and exchanges of visits on both sides.

Bourita and Cassis also emphasized the significance of enhancing collaboration in the academic and scientific disciplines, particularly by encouraging student, faculty, and administrative and technical executive mobility.

They also applauded the excellent multilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly in light of Switzerland’s and Morocco’s respective terms on the UN Human Rights Council (2023–2024) and Security Council (2023–2024).

Read Also: Moroccan, Swiss MPs Discuss Strengthening Parliamentary Relations

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The UN Security Council members sent their sincere condolences and compassion to the peacekeeper’s family, Morocco, and the UN in a press release issued on Friday.

The attack on the Obo airstrip in the southeast of the Central African Republic was strongly denounced by them.

In a statement sent by his spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered his sympathies to the Moroccan Kingdom and people as well as the family of the fallen peacekeeper.

In addition to stating that MINUSCA has launched an inquiry to determine the circumstances behind the Moroccan peacekeeper’s death, he strongly denounced the attack.

Additionally, Guterres sent to Omar Hilale, the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN , his sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper as well as to the Moroccan government and people.

Following the passing of the Moroccan peacekeeper, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, sent a message of sympathy to the government and the Royal Armed Forces to Ambassador Hilale.

“I thank Morocco once again for its commitment and support to our operations, despite the very heavy price resulting from this,” he said, adding that the UN “will do its utmost to hold the perpetrators accountable for this act”.

The UN representative also sent his heartfelt condolences in a tweet to the family of the Moroccan peacekeeper who died in the attack in the CAR while defending international peacekeeping efforts.

My deepest condolences to the Kingdom of Morocco and to the relatives of the Moroccan peacekeeper who was killed in a cowardly attack yesterday while #ServingForPeace with @UN_CAR. An investigation is ongoing and the perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable. #A4P pic.twitter.com/n8OYV2vZBy

— Jean-Pierre Lacroix (@Lacroix_UN) November 25, 2022

He stated that an inquiry has been started, and those responsible for this atrocious act will face consequences.

Attacks on UN peacekeepers may qualify as war crimes under international law, the Security Council and UN SG have underscored.

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The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution of the Fourth Committee on the Moroccan Sahara on Thursday, enshrining the international community’s commitment to a diplomatic solution to this fictitious issue while fully respecting the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This resolution reiterates the General Assembly’s support for the UN-sponsored political process, which has been based on Security Council decisions since 2007, in order to establish a “fair, enduring, and mutually acceptable political settlement” to this regional problem.

The approval of this resolution, as well as the arguments that took place at the Fourth Committee throughout the month of October and early November, have once again revealed Algeria’s outdated and declining attitudes on the Moroccan Sahara.

They indicate Algeria’s dwindling support, which can be numbered on one hand, but Morocco, thanks to the righteousness of its cause and the strength of its arguments, has the powerful, active, and ever-growing backing of the overwhelming majority of the world community.

Indeed, the debates on the occasion of the UNGA’s 4th Committee attest to a “resounding” and multiform support for Morocco’s first national cause, as well as the relevance of the autonomy initiative, within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as the only sustainable, realistic, and compromise solution to this conflict from another era.

During the 4th Committee, ambassadors and representatives from the world’s five regions were eager to highlight Morocco’s “credible” commitment and dedication within the framework of the UN political process aimed at reaching a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable, and compromise political solution to this regional conflict.

All through the deliberations, ambassadors and representatives of delegations and regional groups took the floor to show their support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern regions, as well as to emphasize the seriousness, credibility, and primacy of the Moroccan autonomy effort.

This emphatic and unqualified support for Morocco’s attitude and territorial integrity clearly demonstrates Morocco’s support, as well as the result of its diplomatic activity at all levels under the insightful and foresighted leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

Indeed, in the United Nations, 163 countries, representing 85 percent of the organization’s Member States, refuse to recognize the fictitious entity of the Polisario, which Algeria illegally created.

In this respect, it is worth noting that the general debate of the Fourth Committee has confirmed, once again, the referendum’s death and final burial in favor of the consensual political solution to this problem, expressed by the Moroccan autonomy plan.

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Morocco announced that Libya has chosen to withdraw its candidacy for membership in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council for the term 2022-2025 in favor of the Kingdom.

Rabat reported that the decision was announced during a phone discussion between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Libyan counterpart, Najla AlMangoush, on Sunday.

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Bourita confirmed during the call the “strong support of the Kingdom of Morocco” to the government of national unity and Libyan institutions, in accordance with King Mohammed VI’s guidelines, and “support for its efforts to hold elections in a comprehensive, participatory, and pragmatic framework, which contributes to the efforts of finding a final solution to the crisis that guarantees Libya’s stabilization.”

Bourita thanked the national unity administration, led by Abdelhamid Dbeibah, on “the wisdom it has showed since taking its responsibilities,” according to the statement.

According to the statement, the phone call “provided an opportunity for the two ministers to consult and collaborate on regional and international matters.”

According to AlMangoush, “in the context of the strong brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the sisterly state of Libya,” “the State of Libya has decided to withdraw its candidacy for membership in the Peace and Security Council of the African Union by drawing up a mandate 2022-2025, waiving it in favor of the Kingdom of Morocco and supporting the Moroccan candidacy for this mandate.” “This judgment will be conveyed to the African Union Commission,” she continued.

According to the statement, the two ministers also discussed “the situation of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, affirming their determination to coordinate in order to give a strong impetus to the organization and the return of its institutions to work in their official and natural headquarters.”

Libya is set to hold its first round of presidential elections on December 24, following years of UN-led efforts to end the country’s civil conflict and restore political stability.

However, the next election will encounter numerous hurdles, including unresolved issues with election laws and periodic infighting between armed factions. Other impediments include the country’s deep schism between east and west, as well as the presence of thousands of foreign fighters and forces.

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The Colombian embassy in Rabat will provide consular services throughout the entire Moroccan territory, including the Sahara, underlined Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, Marta Lucia Ramirez.

“I reiterate that the consular services provided by the Colombian embassy in Morocco will be carried out in coordination with the Moroccan authorities and will cover the entire Moroccan territory, including the Sahara,” said Lucia Ramirez, on the sidelines of her visit to Morocco.

The Colombian official, who recently returned from an official visit to the Kingdom, stated that the “extension of consular assistance has no impact on Moroccan and Colombian diplomatic or consular relations with third countries,” adding that consular assistance in the Sahara will facilitate services to Colombians.

“As Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, my responsibility is to ensure that every Colombian abroad knows that they can go to the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate in case of need,” she said.

Lucia Ramirez noted that, as a result of her visit to Morocco, which represents the outstanding level of relations between Colombia and the Kingdom, the agreement on mutual exemption of visas for holders of ordinary passports would enter into force on November 28 for short-term travel.

“We are sure that this agreement will exponentially increase the flow of travel between the two countries, both for tourism and for investment and bilateral trade,” she stressed, noting that this flow of travelers will include those who travel to North Africa, as well as those in the Sahara.”

“All of the above will serve the economic recovery, investment, tourism and employment in our two countries,” she said.

On the Sahara issue, Lucia Ramirez reaffirmed her country’s position, recognizing the importance of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, all of the UN Secretary General’s efforts, the appointment of his new Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura, and the relevant Security Council resolutions to achieve a realistic and lasting political solution, based on the compromise of all parties, to end an issue that Morocco considers vital in the context of its territorial integrity.

With these statements, Colombia’s Vice-President confirms unequivocally the content of the joint statement issued on October 28, 2021, following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, particularly paragraphs 8 and 9 of this document, which include the recognition of the importance of the autonomy plan and the decision to extend Colombia’s consular services in the Moroccan Sahara.

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Q: back to the issue of the round tables, Algeria told the Security Council of its position on the latter. What is your point of view?

A: On this matter, I have nothing to say. Not Algeria and Morocco, but Algeria and the Security Council resolution is the issue. Algeria is having a problem with the international community and the United Nations Security Council, which has referenced the round table at least three times and invited Algeria to return to the negotiations and engage in the process in a realistic and productive manner. Algeria is now known as the source of the conflict, as well as the one who is behind it and refuses to participate in finding a solution.

Algeria attempted to portray Morocco as “isolated” and that its positions were shared with the Security Council.

Q: Would you please respond to Morocco’s position on the appointment of Ivanco and de Mistura?

A: The first is that we are a state and a responsible party dealing with the UN in a respectful and transparent manner. The second principle is that Morocco is unambiguous in identifying each party’s competence, because the position is defined in light of particular States.

Morocco’s third principle is that it consents and engages constructively, particularly in relation to the Secretary-initiatives, General’s but it is cautious. We were hesitant to appoint Ivanko because we don’t want the permanent members of the Security Council to be in charge.

Morocco, however, has agreed to this appointment in response to the Secretary-request, General’s and will closely monitor the extent to which its terms of reference and responsibilities are followed. The same is true for Mr. De Mistura, who will be dealt with by Morocco within specific limitations that must be followed. Morocco is always founded on international legitimacy and prioritizes its own interests.

The Sahara issue is a national matter, a liability issue with which Morocco is dealing constructively and ensuring that no red lines are crossed.

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Morocco expressed its appreciation and support for the UN Security Council resolution on the Moroccan Sahara, which extends the MINURSO operation for another year, given that Algeria now has an issue with the world community and the Security Council, rather than with Morocco.

The Security Council today renewed the MINURSO mission in the Sahara, with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The new decision, according to Bourita, is significant because of its context, content, and the positions taken by countries during its approval, and because it “provides frank and direct answers to all the moves that gave the impression that something would happen,” and because “the answer was clear in terms of the series and its form.” The nature of the solution, the relevant parties, and Morocco’s gains have all been established.”

Morocco praised the countries that voted in favor of the resolution, led by the United States of America and France, through Bourita, emphasizing that “it dealt with the decision calmly and that it is a normal entitlement, but the other parties wanted to make it a turning point.”

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The UN Security Council resolved on Friday to extend the mandate of MINURSO for another year, reaffirming the priority of the Moroccan autonomy initiative in resolving the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

The Security Council “decides to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 31 October 2022,” reads the text of the resolution presented by the United States.

The executive body of the United Nations has codified the preeminence of Morocco’s autonomy offer, which was presented on April 11, 2007, in this statement, welcoming the Kingdom’s “serious and credible” efforts, as indicated in the Moroccan proposal.

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Several Latin American countries have praised Morocco’s efforts to find a permanent solution to the Moroccan Sahara case before the United Nations General Assembly’s 4th Committee in New York.

In this regard, the Dominican Republic reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom’s efforts in favor of a “credible and acceptable” political settlement for the Sahara through its permanent mission to the United Nations.

The Dominican envoy to the United Nations also stated that his country “appreciates, at their true value,” the UN Secretary General’s efforts to find a realistic and long-term solution to the situation in the Moroccan Sahara with all parties involved.

Milenko Skoknic, Chile’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative, pleaded for a solution that will help strengthen stability and security in the region, which is “currently facing increasing security threats” and “has been impacted by covid-19 in its various dimensions, like all regions of the world.”

The resolution of this conflict, which has lasted over 40 years, will benefit not only international and regional security, but also sustainable development processes and the 2030 Agenda.

It’s also critical to emphasize the need of all conflict parties “renewing their commitment in order to take the political process ahead,” he said.

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In his report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for improved relations between Morocco and Algeria, following Algeria’s unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.

Mr. Guterres stated that Algeria “announced the severance of its relations with Morocco” on August 24, 2021, and that “the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the same day, taking note of the Algerian authorities’ decision to sever diplomatic relations with Morocco, and regretting this completely unjustified decision.”

In this regard, the UN Secretary-General expressed his concern about the deterioration of relations between Morocco and Algeria, in his report, which threatens to derail the political process aimed at resolving the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

Mr. Guterres “encouraged the two neighboring countries to find a way forward to repair their relations, including in support of regional cooperation, peace, and security in the region,” a position that Morocco has long advocated, despite Algerian authorities’ hostile approach, which rejects both Morocco’s outstretched hand and any mediation.

It should be noted that the UN Secretary General’s official had commented on Algeria’s unilateral decision on two occasions, encouraging the two neighbors to address their concerns through negotiation.

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