Guatemala decided Thursday to open a consulate in Dakhla, thus reaffirming its support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the only solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
“Guatemala reiterated its clear position on the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, considering that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the solution to this dispute and announces the decision to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla to benefit from its economic potential and its openness to the rest of the African continent,” said a joint statement issued after a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and his Guatemalan counterpart, Mario Bucaro Flores.
At the end of this meeting, which was held in conjunction with the UN General Assembly, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister made a statement to the press: “For us, the concepts of sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity are very important. We support the position of Morocco on this issue and we will continue to support Morocco forever.”
Mr. Bucaro Flores “highly appreciated the reforms undertaken in Morocco under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, as well as His role and His contribution to the resolution of problems in Africa and the Arab world by peaceful means.” He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the cooperative relations that his country has with Morocco.
Mr. Bourita welcomed, for his part, “the efforts of the Guatemalan government led by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Alejandro Giammattei, in terms of reforms, as well as its role at the regional and international levels in favor of peace.”
The two ministers discussed, on this occasion, the various aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues, welcoming “the convergence of views on all issues addressed.” The joint statement adds that Morocco and Guatemala have decided to “give impetus to bilateral cooperation in the areas of tourism, training and energy, with particular emphasis on agriculture and fertilizers, at a time when the world is facing an acute food crisis.”