Sahara issue: Côte d’Ivoire says constantly supports Morocco

Rabat, October 11, 2012 (MAP)

Côte d’Ivoire is resolved to support Morocco to preserve its territorial integrity and supports the Kingdom in the Moroccan Sahara issue, state minister, interior minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Ahmed Bakayoko, said Thursday in Rabat.

Bakayoko reaffirmed, in a press briefing after a meeting with Moroccan minister delegate for foreign affairs, Youssef Amrani, his country’s steady support for Morocco in order to reach a settlement based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

“Côte d’Ivoire has invariably maintained its position in all forums and contributed to preserving the territorial integrity of Morocco,” he said.

During the meeting, the Côte d’Ivoire minister expressed to Amrani his country’s gratitude and appreciation for Rabat’s support during and particularly after the electoral crisis that hit Côte d’Ivoire.

The two sides voiced a common desire to strengthen bilateral relations, emphasizing the need to explore new mechanisms to ensure the success of this approach.