Rabat – As part of the international momentum generated under the leadership of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the Autonomy Plan, the Portuguese Republic expresses “its full support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the most serious, credible and constructive basis to settle this dispute”.
This position was expressed in the Joint Statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, following their meeting on Tuesday in Lisbon.
Portugal recognizes the importance of this issue for Morocco, as well as the serious and credible efforts undertaken by the Kingdom within the framework of the United Nations to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, the Joint statement notes.
The two ministers reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2756, which emphasizes the role and responsibility of the parties in seeking a realistic, pragmatic and lasting political solution based on compromise, the document adds.
In the joint declaration, Portugal also commended other initiatives launched by Morocco, including the Atlantic Initiatives, particularly the Process of Atlantic African States and the international royal initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic.
Portugal also recalled the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic African Gas pipeline project, a massive endeavor that aims to mobilize gas over 6,000 kilometers from West to North Africa and potentially onto Europe.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel commended Morocco’s role as a driver of development and provider of stability in North Africa as well as across the continent.
In the joint declaration, Morocco and Portugal also reaffirmed their determination to boost and maintain stability, security, and peace in their respective regions.
“They also reaffirmed their commitment to these principles, as well as to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty over states.”
Through its new stance, Portugal sends a clear message reflecting its adherence to the international consensus around Morocco’s autonomy Plan, in line with the strong international dynamic driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
