The decision of Chad, which has withdrawn its recognition of the puppet entity since 2006, is in line with the constant positions of this country in favor of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, indicated Mr. Bourita during a joint press briefing with the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Chadians Abroad and International Cooperation, Government Spokesman, Abderaman Koulamalla, on the occasion of the opening of a Chadian Consulate General in Dakhla.
He added that this constant position of Chad in favor of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Morocco over its entire territory, including the southern provinces, was reiterated in the joint statement signed by the two parties, noting that this decision is part of the important developments that have taken place in recent years in the issue of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, and of the continued support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty as the only basis for reaching a solution to the artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
Recalling that the opening of this consulate coincides with the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the recovery of the province of Oued Eddahab, he specified that approximately 42% of African countries now have consulates in the southern provinces of the Kingdom.
“If the opening of a Chadian consulate in Dakhla is part of the support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, this approach also constitutes a tool to strengthen cooperation and support bilateral relations,” noted Mr. Bourita.
The opening of this consulate is considered an important element in the framework of the implementation of the international initiative of HM King Mohammed VI to promote the access of the Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, he continued.
He added that Chad, which has expressed its full commitment to the success of this project, is a key player in this strategic royal initiative.
This consulate can play a role in supporting this initiative, he continued, affirming that “the important visit of the minister has a great impact and constitutes a turning point in our bilateral relationship at all levels.”
Recalling that relations between the two countries, based on trust, solidarity and cooperation, are founded on historical and human ties and are the subject of particular attention from the leaders of the two countries, Mr. Bourita noted that these relations are based, today, on solid foundations as well as on the firm will to translate them into an effective economic partnership.
The minister also noted that the two parties agreed, during bilateral talks, to reactivate the institutional framework by holding the joint commission, which had not met for about ten years.
It was also agreed to relaunch political dialogue between the two countries, he added, highlighting the important role that Chad plays as a pole of stability in a region marked by multiple challenges, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
In this regard, Mr. Bourita said that the two countries are already coordinating within regional organizations, including the African Union, on a series of particularly worrying issues in the fight against terrorism and climate change.
It was also agreed to strengthen the economic and commercial aspects between Morocco and Chad, he said, recalling that Morocco, which has worked since the 1990s to ensure the training of 1,300 Chadian executives, continues to grant several scholarships annually to around 150 nationals of this African country.
In the same vein, Mr. Bourita indicated that this number will be increased to 180 to provide training in specialized institutes in the southern provinces (Dakhla and Laâyoune).
2024-08-29 18:07:26