Colombia recognises Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara, signals new chapter in bilateral ties

Colombia has recently acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over the southern provinces of the Sahara, marking a transformative shift in its stance on the contentious territory. This pivotal decision was conveyed during a high-level meeting between Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Colombia's Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo.

Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar later affirmed Colombia's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara, signalling a fresh chapter in the bilateral ties between the two nations. Vice-President Restrepo heralded this move as a "new beginning" for Colombia-Morocco relations, referring to Morocco as "Colombia's first ally in Africa" and underscoring his nation's commitment to establishing a strategic partnership with the Kingdom.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita hailed the development as "historic," asserting that Colombia's withdrawal of recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its acceptance of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara could serve as a significant catalyst for bolstering relations between the two countries. Bourita further emphasized the potential for enhanced economic cooperation, proposing that Morocco and Colombia could mutually benefit by utilizing their strategic positions in Africa and Latin America.

The Moroccan minister had journeyed to Cali as part of King Mohammed VI's "Very High Instructions" to preside over the investiture ceremony of Colombia's new President, Abelardo de la Espriella. Bourita's presence at the ceremony, according to him, underscores Morocco's resolve to exploit the newfound momentum and elevate relations with Colombia to unprecedented heights.