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Zambia Backs Morocco's Sahara Autonomy Plan, Citing Territorial Integrity

From ThisDay · (2h ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Zambia has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's territorial integrity and its autonomy plan for the Sahara.
  • This stance was conveyed during talks between Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat.
  • Zambia views the autonomy plan as the sole credible and lasting basis for resolving the dispute over the Sahara.

Zambia has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to Morocco's territorial integrity and the Moroccan character of the Sahara, as highlighted by Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This strong endorsement, articulated during a working visit by Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, to Rabat, reinforces the growing international recognition of Morocco's position.

Haimbe also expressed his country’s support for the United Nations’ efforts to reach a solution to this regional dispute, as well as for the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco, deeming it the only credible, serious, and realistic solution for resolving this issue.

— Mulambo HaimbeThe Zambian Foreign Minister articulated his country's support for the UN's efforts and specifically endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most viable solution.

During discussions with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister Haimbe explicitly welcomed the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2797. This resolution, crucially, frames the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only serious, credible, and lasting foundation for a political solution to the artificial dispute over the Sahara. Zambia's consistent support, particularly its embrace of the autonomy plan as the most realistic path forward, aligns with a significant bloc of nations that have opened consulates in Morocco's southern cities.

He further emphasized that this initiative provides a pragmatic and constructive basis for reaching a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

— Mulambo HaimbeMinister Haimbe elaborated on the autonomy plan, characterizing it as a practical and constructive foundation for a durable resolution.

From a Zambian perspective, as conveyed through our engagement with Moroccan leadership, this issue is viewed through the lens of regional stability and the principle of self-determination within established national frameworks. The Moroccan autonomy plan offers a pragmatic and constructive approach, providing a basis for a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution. This aligns with Zambia's foreign policy objectives of promoting peaceful conflict resolution and respecting the sovereignty of nations. The deepening ties between Zambia and Morocco, exemplified by the opening of the Zambian Embassy in Rabat and its Consulate General in Laayoune, further solidify this shared understanding and cooperation on critical regional issues.

Mr. Bourita welcomed the positive development of ties between the two brotherly countries in recent years, facilitated in particular by the opening, in October 2020, of the Zambian Embassy in Rabat and its Consulate General in Laayoune.

— Nasser BouritaThe Moroccan Foreign Minister acknowledged the strengthening bilateral relations, citing the establishment of diplomatic missions as a key factor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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