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US to open consulate after recognising Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara (nationthailand.com)

US to open consulate after recognising Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara

InternationalDec 15. 2020

By The Nation

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry has revealed details of the historic December 10 phone call between US President Donald Trump and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to announce US recognition of the kingdom’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

The US had decided to open a consulate in the Western Sahara city of Dakhla, to encourage US investments and contribution to economic and social development in Morocco’s southern provinces, said the ministry.

During their discussion, the monarch and President Trump exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East.

The king referred to the “consistent and balanced” positions of Morocco on the Palestinian question, stressing that Morocco supports a solution of two states living side-by-side in peace and security and that negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides remain the only way to achieve a final, lasting and comprehensive settlement of this conflict, said the ministry.

In his capacity as chairman of the Al-Quds Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Mohammed VI also underlined the need to preserve the special status of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). The monarch also insisted that the followers of the three monotheistic religions be allowed freedom to practice their rites, and that the Islamic character of Al-Quds Asharif and Al-Aqsa Mosque be respected, in accordance with the Al-Quds/Jerusalem Call signed by himself and Pope Francis, during his visit to Rabat on March 30, 2019.

The ministry added that the king had informed President Trump that Morocco plans to grant authorisation for direct flights to transport members of the Moroccan Jewish community and Israeli tourists to and from Morocco.

The kingdom would also resume official contacts with Israeli counterparts and diplomatic relations as soon as possible, as well as promoting innovative relations in the economic and technological fields, including working to reopen liaison offices in both countries, as was the case previously and for several years until 2002.

The monarch stressed that these measures would not affect Morocco’s permanent and sustained commitment to the Palestinian cause and its determination to continue to contribute effectively and constructively to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The king also discussed efforts by the Gulf Cooperation Council to resolve the crisis, expressing to President Trump his hope that positive developments recorded so far would lead to reconciliation. This would consolidate security and stability in the Gulf region leading to economic and social development for the benefit of the peoples of the region.

He also expressed his gratitude for the “important role and decisive steps” taken by the US, reiterating his support for the Kuwaiti mediation to end this dispute.