Colombia recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara
Colombia has officially announced a major shift in its foreign policy by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the territory of the Sahara. This decision includes the withdrawal of Colombia's previous recognition of the so-called "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic."
The announcement followed diplomatic meetings in Cali between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, alongside Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. The Colombian officials described the move as a way to revitalize bilateral ties, with Restrepo labeling Morocco as "Colombia's primary ally in Africa."
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita called the decision "historic," noting that it provides a "strong impetus" for bilateral relations. Both nations expressed a desire to transform their relationship into a strategic partnership, potentially involving economic cooperation, increased trade, and the possible negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Entities: Colombia · José Manuel Restrepo · King Mohammed VI · Kingdom of Morocco · Morocco · Nasser Bourita · Nasser Bourtia · Omar Bula Escobar · Republic of Colombia · Western Sahara
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Morocco is considered Colombia's primary ally in Africa. (Vice President José Manuel Restrepo)
- [● 8 SOURCES] Colombia is withdrawing its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. (Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- [● 8 SOURCES] Colombia recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces. (Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Both countries aim to establish a strategic partnership and potentially negotiate a Free Trade Agreement. (Nasser Bourita and José Manuel Restrepo)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The decision by Colombia to recognize Moroccan sovereignty is described as historic. (Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita)