From Paris, The King Mohammed VI thanks the Panamanian president for his support of Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Mohammed VI, accompanied by his children, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Princess Lalla Khadija, took advantage of his stay in Paris to express his thanks to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino Quintero following Panama’s historic decision to suspend diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This measure marks significant support from Panama for Morocco’s territorial integrity, breaking with the SADR’s position, a puppet separatist entity backed by Algerian officers, which calls for holding a referendum on the Sahara outside of Morocco’s sovereignty.

In an official message, King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude for this decision, emphasizing that it confirms Morocco’s legitimate rights and aligns with international law and current global dynamics. He added that this decision opens a new era for bilateral relations between Morocco and Panama and reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Panama in various fields for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Panama, which was the first country to recognize the SADR and open a diplomatic mission for the entity, announced the suspension of its relations with the SADR on November 21, 2024, in respect of international law principles. This decision marked a turning point in Panama’s foreign policy, shifting in favor of international community and United Nations efforts to resolve the Western Sahara issue.

Since 2007, Morocco has proposed an autonomy plan for the region under its sovereignty, in compliance with UN resolutions. This initiative, now enshrined in UN texts, excludes the possibility of a referendum and has gained the support of over 100 countries, including influential actors such as the United States, France, Israel, and Spain.

Beyond this diplomatic announcement, Mohammed VI was seen in public in Paris with his children, enjoying moments of relaxation during their vacation. Their presence in Paris, a place where the royal family regularly spends their holidays, is part of a tradition of closeness to the expatriate Moroccan community. This visit also comes in the context of strengthening Franco-Moroccan relations, following Paris’s clear and unequivocal support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.