São Tomé and Príncipe Reaffirms Its Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara
The Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe has once again reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, including the Sahara region. On Thursday in Rabat, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities, Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, reiterated her country’s firm stance in favor of Moroccan sovereignty. This statement was made following a meeting with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, where both officials discussed various topics of mutual interest.
During a press conference, Minister Amado Vaz emphasized her country’s adherence to the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the only credible and realistic solution to resolve the dispute over the Sahara. She recalled that this initiative, endorsed by the international community, constitutes a serious and pragmatic basis for achieving a definitive and lasting resolution. In this regard, she highlighted the importance of the United Nations framework as the sole avenue for reaching a peaceful settlement to this regional issue.
The head of São Tomé and Príncipe’s diplomacy also praised Morocco’s progress in the socio-economic development of the southern provinces. She highlighted the positive impact of Morocco’s New Development Model, which promotes stability and regional integration. According to her, these advancements demonstrate Morocco’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of local populations and strengthening the economic appeal of the region.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s position, as reaffirmed by Minister Amado Vaz, aligns with the international momentum driven by King Mohammed VI in support of the autonomy plan. For his part, Nasser Bourita expressed his gratitude to the São Toméan government for its constant and unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He noted that this stance has been reiterated multiple times by high-ranking officials from São Tomé and Príncipe in various regional and international forums.
The Moroccan minister also welcomed the opening of São Tomé and Príncipe’s General Consulate in Laayoune in January 2020, a move that underscores the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. This initiative reflects São Tomé and Príncipe’s clear commitment to recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and fostering bilateral relations between the two nations