Rabat — Guatemala has reaffirmed its strong backing of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
Speaking Monday at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee session, Guatemala’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Maria Jose Castillo, emphasized her country’s support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal, calling it a “credible, realistic, and serious” basis for resolving the long-standing territorial conflict.
Castillo praised Morocco’s initiative as a viable path toward a peaceful, negotiated solution that respects the Kingdom’s national sovereignty.
She further lauded Morocco’s efforts in working toward a lasting political settlement in the region, which has seen decades of tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria.
“Guatemala considers the autonomy initiative as the most credible and pragmatic foundation for achieving a compromise that ensures Morocco’s territorial integrity,” Castillo said.
She also expressed Guatemala’s continued support for UN-led efforts to mediate a resolution, highlighting the role of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in fostering a balanced approach to the conflict.
The Guatemalan diplomat underlined the importance of resuming UN-led round table talks, bringing together Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. According to Castillo, restoring this dialogue is essential for regional stability and security in the broader Maghreb.
Guatemala’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan is part of a positive trend in the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In December 2022, the Republic of Guatemala opened a Consulate General in Dakhla, a significant step demonstrating its firm commitment to Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.
This move, which marked the first Latin American country to establish a consular presence in the southern provinces, was hailed by Guatemala’s Foreign Minister, Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores, as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.
The inauguration of the Consulate in Dakhla was an illustration of the growing economic opportunities and development in the region, attracting international interest and investment.
The Fourth Committee, where Castillo delivered her address, is a specialized body of the UN General Assembly that addresses a wide range of global issues, including decolonization efforts, peacekeeping, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
