Spain : A Minister welcomes children sent by the Polisario
Seizing the opportunity, Rego delivered a political message, stressing «the urgent need to implement the solution advocated by the United Nations in its resolutions on Western Sahara, particularly the organization of a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people».
While Sira Rego is part of the coalition government led by Pedro Sanchez, her party has opposed the Prime Minister's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara since March 2022.
This meeting comes at a sensitive moment for Sánchez's PSOE, which has been entangled in corruption scandals for several weeks. Politically weakened, the Socialists are seeking to maintain the support of formations like United Left, which help them hold onto power—at least until the next legislative elections in 2027.
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Morocco World
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- Morocco World
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Evolution of Panama's position The shift in Panama's stance has followed a clear progression over recent months. On November 21, 2024, Panama's Foreign Ministry slammed the door on diplomatic relations with the self-styled 'SADR,' stressing the decision aligned with the country's commitment to constructive foreign policy and support for UN-led resolution efforts. Following this announcement, King Mohammed VI sent a message to Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, expressing gratitude for the 'wise decision' regarding 'Morocco's primary national cause.' The monarch declared that 'this highly significant decision strengthens Morocco's legitimate rights' and 'aligns with international legality.' On November 27, 2024, during a video conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Martinez-Acha Vasquez 'reiterated the sovereign decision of the Government of Panama to suspend diplomatic relations' with the self-proclaimed 'SADR.' In a high-level meeting, the two foreign ministers vowed to revitalize bilateral cooperation, citing a joint commitment to South-South partnership. The discussions led to an agreement to strengthen legal ties and resume political consultations between their foreign ministries. Panama's diplomatic realignment accelerated with the appointment of Isbeth L. Queil Murcia as Ambassador to Morocco in January, cementing bilateral ties. The seasoned diplomat, who previously served as Director General of Foreign Policy and Deputy Representative to the United Nations for Panama, presented her credentials to Bourita in Rabat. The evolution culminated on June 16, when the Joint Declaration from Martinez-Acha Vasquez's working visit to Rabat proclaimed: 'the Republic of Panama reaffirms its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan… considering it as the most serious, credible and realistic basis for progress towards a lasting agreement on the territorial dispute over the Sahara.' Beyond the Sahara dispute, both countries pledged to promote the exchange of expertise across multiple sectors, particularly green development, energy transition, agriculture, food security, fisheries, and tourism. During this visit, the Panamanian foreign minister also delivered a written message to King Mohammed VI from President Mulino, reflecting 'the will of the Heads of State of both countries to strengthen the positive momentum in Morocco-Panama relations and to elevate them to broader horizons of cooperation.' Strategic importance Panama's position wields exceptional influence as the country currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2025-2026). According to Morocco's state news agency, 'Panama's voice will actively contribute to finding a definitive solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, within the framework set by the latest UN Security Council resolution.' 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Panama now aligns with over 100 countries backing Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the sole viable political solution to end this artificially prolonged dispute, including 20 European Union member states. Tellingly, 70% of UN Security Council member states now demand resolution of this dispute within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty and based on the Autonomy Plan presented by Rabat in 2007. This seismic shift in Panama's position mirrors the surging international momentum behind Morocco's territorial integrity and the collapsing relevance of the cold war-era separatist agenda championed by Algeria's military regime, which continues to funnel logistical, financial, and military support to the Polisario Front despite mounting domestic crises. Tags: panama and moroccoPanama and the SaharaWestern sahara
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Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Kenya-Morocco Relations Strengthen Following Nairobi's Newfound Sahara Position
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