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Morocco and Panama are set to strengthen their bilateral relations following Panamanian’s decision to suspend ties with the self-styled Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
During a video conference on Wednesday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Panamanian counterpart, Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez, expressed their mutual desire to give a new impetus to bilateral ties. The two officials especially emphasized their countries’ shared vision of South-South cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to economic, political, and cultural partnership.
Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the country’s decision last week, noting that it is committed to constructive foreign policy and multilateral cooperation.
On the Sahara dispute, it particularly emphasized its support for a “peaceful, just, sustainable and acceptable solution for the parties concerned with the Sahara issue.”
In response to the decision, King Mohammed VI sent a message to President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, expressing gratitude.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you, following the wise decision made by your friendly country on November 21, 2024, regarding the Kingdom of Morocco’s primary national cause,” the monarch said in the message.
Panama’s decision comes as Morocco’s position enjoys significant momentum in the international community, with over 100 countries supporting its Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible political solution to end the dispute.
Panama’s FM today highlighted along with his Moroccan counterpart the two countries’ determination to engage in the new phase seeking to revitalize their diplomatic relations.
The two ministers stressed the importance of boosting the legal framework for bilateral cooperation and activating a mechanism of political consultation between the foreign ministries of both countries.
They also agreed to promote the exchange of experiences in different areas and strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as green development, energy transition, agriculture and food security in addition to fisheries and tourism.
During the meeting, Vasquez conveyed his country’s high regard for the royal message.
MAP, Morocco’s In a report, the Moroccan news agency recalled that Panama’s suspension of ties with Polisario comes just ahead of the country’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council starting January 1 next year.
“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,” the news agency added.
