Rabat – Oman has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Oman made its remarks during a joint statement to the press today at the end of the 7th Moroccan Omani Joint Commission that was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and his counterpart, Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud A Busaidi.
The country also expressed deep appreciation for Morocco’s leadership, describing the Autonomy Plan as the basis for ending the dispute over Western Sahara.
Oman’s reaffirmation comes at a time when growing support for Morocco’s territorial integrity has intensified throughout the years.
During the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in March, over 40 countries renewed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara – reaffirming Rabat’s efforts towards promoting human rights across its territory, including its southern provinces.
The group of countries also welcomed the opening of diplomatic representations by many countries in the cities of Dakhla and Laayone, noting that this constitutes a “lever to strengthen economic cooperation, investments, benefiting local populations, regional development and also the continent.”
The latest show of international support Morocco received towards its Sahara cause is on the part of the US – which recently reaffirmed Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.
On April 8, the US State Department renewed its position, stressing that the Autonomy Plan is the only feasible political solution to end the dispute.
France made a similar statement on April 11, noting that France’s position is no longer subject to discussion, reiterating its newfound backing of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
Beyond reiterating support for the Moroccan Sahara position, Oman also recalled Morocco’s contributions towards peace, security, and stability not only in Africa but around the world.
Particularly, the Gulf country commended King Mohammed VI’s efforts in defending the holy city of Jerusalem and preserving its status and identity.
Morocco and Oman also reaffirmed their determination to promote and foster cooperation in different fields.
Bourita commended the depth of the strong ties between the two countries, asserting Morocco’s determination to breathe new life into these ties throughout different fields in a win-win approach.
He also invited Omani businessmen to open up more to their “second country”, Morocco, to “benefit from the incentives offered by the Moroccan Investment Charter”.
Bourita talked about the investment opportunities linked to Morocco’s campaign for the 2030 World Cup, noting the importance of forging strong ties between the two countries’ private sectors.
Omani Foreign Minister Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi also expressed his pride in the strong ties between the two countries, as well as his country’s willingness to examine every means of developing them further to serve both parties’ aspirations.
During today’s meeting, the two countries also signed several agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding, covering different sectors.
One of the MoUs was signed between Morocco’s Transport Ministry and its Omani counterpart concerning the recognition of certificates by the provisions of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training.
An additional MoU covers renewable energy, while others encompass education, digitization, among other fields.
