Rabat – Italy acknowledges and welcomes Morocco’s “serious and credible” efforts to solve the Western Sahara dispute, according to the multi-dimensional strategic partnership plan Morocco and Italy signed today in Rome.
Signed by the two countries ‘ Foreign Affairs Ministers, Nasser Bourita and Antonio Tajani, the plan states that “Italy welcomes the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco,” as confirmed by UN Security Council Resolution 2654 of October 27, 2022.
In a joint declaration issued following the signing of the plan, Italy welcomed “the far-reaching reforms undertaken by Morocco over the last two decades under the impetus of King Mohammed VI, and the efforts made towards political, economic and social development.” Rome had also praised the sovereign’s efforts to promote development, stability, and growth in the African continent.
The plan also reiterates Italy’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to continue the political process toward a fair, realistic, pragmatic, sustainable, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue, based on consensus according to Resolution 2654.
Italy equally encourages all parties to continue their commitment to finding a realistic resolution to the Western Sahara dispute under the United Nations Charter.
Bourita’s visit to Italy followed an invitation from his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, a first since Tajani’s appointment in October 2022 as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic.
Under the Morocco-Italy plan, the two countries reaffirm their desire to strengthen bilateral relations within the framework of a multi-dimensional strategic partnership aimed at continuous dialogue and tangible cooperation benefiting both sides.
The action plan primarily covers political and diplomatic dialogue, security and justice cooperation, as well as economic, energy, and sustainable development cooperation.
It also includes cultural and academic cooperation, research and development, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as cooperation in the field of migration and consular affairs.
The plan equally covers the establishment of a partnership council and associated committees. The partnership council, composed of foreign ministers, will meet annually in Rabat and Rome to monitor progress, identify priority areas for cooperation, formulate recommendations, evaluate achievements over the past year, and enhance and strengthen cooperation for the coming year.
The joint declaration also touched on the question of peace in the Middle East, pointing out that both parties call for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
In regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the two countries expressed their support for the internationally-endorsed two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital for both.
Read Also: Morocco and Italy Declare Strategic Partnership, Coordination
