Andean Parliament Renews Support for Morocco's Territorial Integrity
Rabat – Morocco continues to strengthen its position in the international community, which is reflected through the ongoing support the North African country receives for its national cause surrounding the Western Sahara.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita met on Wednesday in Rabat with Gustavo Pacheco Villar, the President of the Andean Parliament.
During a press conference, Pacheco Villar conveyed the parliament's support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
The Andean parliament is a governing body of the Andean community that is confirmed by representatives of its four member states – including Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
One associate member, Chile, is also part of the parties that confirmed the parliament, which is composed of 25 parliamentarians, five representing each state.
During the press conference, Pacheco Villar stressed the parliament's determination to increase South-South cooperation between Latin America and Morocco, describing the North African country as not only the gateway to Africa but also to Europe.
Morocco has long confirmed its commitment towards its role as a gateway for diplomacy and South-South cooperation to combat emerging challenges that affectg regional and continental stability.
For his part, Oscar Dario Perez, Vice President of the Andean Parliament, commended Morocco's development momentum under King Mohammed VI's leadership in all sectors – including infrastructure, energy transition, poverty reduction, and GDP growth.
'Thanks to its economic growth and strategic geographic position, Morocco is now regarded as a key partner for both the European Union and the United States,' Perez said, noting the desire of the Andean Parliament member countries to learn from Morocco's exports in different areas.
Morocco has been earning international support for its position on Western Sahara, particularly its credible and serious Autonomy Plan to end the dispute.
The UN-led political process to solve the dispute has been in a state of stagnation, as Algeria's regime, which hosts, finances, aims, and supports the separatist Polisario Front, refuses to take part in roundtable discussions to come to an agreed upon political solution.
Despite these obstacles, Morocco continues to stress the importance of these UN-sponsored roundtable discussions to engage all parties.
The North African country has frequently reiterated its position based on the four fundamental principles as defined by King Mohammed VI.
Among the principles are Morocco's support for the UN-led political process towards finding a political solution, as well as the importance of Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the one and only solution to the regional dispute.
The third fundamental principle is the resumption of roundtable talks with the participation of all parties, including Algeria.
All parties should also respect the ceasefire established to end violations of international law as a prerequisite for the continuation of the political process.
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