- Bogotá Halts Diplomatic and Multilateral Support for ‘SADR’ and Signals New Strategic Chapter in Relations with Rabat
RABAT: Colombia has reaffirmed its recognition of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara, while announcing the suspension of its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
The decision was announced Monday in a new statement issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said Bogotá had conducted a “sovereign review” of the recognition of the so-called SADR granted by the previous government.
According to the statement, the review took into consideration that the entity is not recognized by the United Nations as a member state, as well as Colombia’s desire to strengthen its strategic partnership with Morocco.
Colombia Ends Political and Diplomatic Support for ‘SADR’
The Colombian Foreign Ministry said the decision means there will be no political or diplomatic contacts, exchange of missions or support for the so-called SADR in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Security Council, where Colombia currently serves as a non-permanent member.
Bogotá further stressed that the decision is fully consistent with international law, the United Nations Charter, and the framework established by UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) concerning the Sahara issue.
The move represents a significant shift in Colombia’s position and reinforces its recognition of Morocco’s territorial sovereignty.
New Momentum in Morocco-Colombia Relations
The Colombian government said the decision reflects its determination to revitalize relations with Morocco, describing the Kingdom as a partner for nearly five decades.
Bogotá said the renewed relationship would be guided by a long-term strategic vision, with the objective of deepening bilateral cooperation and ensuring that stronger ties serve the interests of both Moroccan and Colombian peoples.
The two countries are expected to focus on ambitious and concrete cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, tourism, food security, port and logistics development, and the strengthening of Atlantic connectivity.
Bourita’s Participation in Colombian Presidential Inauguration
The announcement follows the participation of Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, in the inauguration ceremony of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella in Cali on August 7.
Bourita represented King Mohammed VI at the ceremony, underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between Rabat and Bogotá.
Toward a New Strategic Partnership
The latest decision is being viewed as a reflection of the shared determination of King Mohammed VI and President Abelardo de la Espriella to open a new chapter in Moroccan-Colombian relations.
The two countries now appear poised to build their partnership around a broader strategic vision, with the ambition of elevating bilateral relations to an unprecedented level and expanding cooperation across political, economic, commercial and Atlantic-facing sectors.
BY: The Times Union
