- Bogotá Shifts Position on Sahara Issue, Describes Morocco as a Key African Ally
CALI, Colombia: Colombia has announced a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue, affirming its recognition of the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern Provinces and signaling a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
The announcement was made on Friday during a high-level meeting involving Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, Colombian Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo, and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Bula Escobar formally stated that Colombia recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, marking a major change in Bogotá’s position on the longstanding regional issue.
Colombia Seeks Strategic Partnership with Morocco
Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo described the announcement as “a new beginning” for relations between Colombia and Morocco. He emphasized Morocco’s importance to Colombia, describing the Kingdom as “Colombia’s first ally in Africa.”
Restrepo also expressed Colombia’s determination to develop a strategic partnership with Morocco, with expanded cooperation expected across political, economic and diplomatic spheres.
The shift is likely to provide fresh impetus to bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation between Morocco and Colombia at both regional and international levels.
Bourita Welcomes “Historic” Decision
Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Colombia’s decision, describing the withdrawal of its previous recognition of the Polisario separatist entity, referred to in the statement as the “pseudo-SADR,” and its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as “historic.”
Bourita said the decision could provide “great momentum” to relations between the two countries, while highlighting the significant economic potential of closer Moroccan-Colombian cooperation.
He noted that Morocco and Colombia could serve as economic gateways for one another, benefiting from their respective strategic positions in Africa and Latin America.
Morocco Signals Strong Support for New Bilateral Momentum
Bourita’s presence in Cali was also significant, as he attended the investiture ceremony of Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Espriella, representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the Sovereign’s Very High Instructions.
Bourita said his participation demonstrated Morocco’s determination to support the new momentum in bilateral relations and to work toward elevating Morocco-Colombia ties to a higher level.
The development represents a notable diplomatic shift in Colombia’s position on the Sahara issue and could pave the way for expanded political dialogue, economic cooperation and strategic coordination between Rabat and Bogotá.
BY: The Times Union
