Rabat – The United Arab Emirates has affirmed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces and its territorial integrity.
Speaking before the Security Council on Monday, The UAE’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Mohamed Abushahab said that his country “reiterates its constant support to the Kingdom of Morocco and its sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.”
Abushahab made the comments as the Security Council was preparing to vote on Resolution 2703, which extended the mandate of MINURSO by one year.
The resolution passed with 13 votes for, while two member states (Russia and Mozambique) abstained from voting.
The diplomat highlighted the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007 as “the only basis to arrive at a just, sustainable, and pragmatic political solution.”
He celebrated the adoption of Resolution 2703, expressing his country’s thanks to the US, the pen holders of the resolution, and noting that the UAE voted for it, describing the text as “balanced.”
The diplomat added that it is necessary to permit MINURSO to “regularly refresh its team sites” to be able to tackle its mission in the most efficient manner, and emphasized that the separatist Polisario Front needs to completely engage with the UN mission.
Abushahab expressed his country’s wish that the UN continues its “constructive” efforts to find a solution to the long-standing situation in Western Sahara, adding that a solution would strengthen stability and security in a region reckoning with multiple challenges.
In addition to extending the mandate of MINURSO, Resolution 2703 also reiterates calls for all parties involved in the Sahara dispute, including Algeria, to cooperate with the UN-led political process and take part in round-tables on the topic.
The UAE opened a consulate in Morocco’s Laayoune in 2020, reflecting its support for the North African country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.
