Maldives has expressed support for the sovereignty of Morocco over the entire region of the Western Sahara. The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid at the Virtual Ministerial Conference in Support of the Autonomy Initiative Under Morocco Sovereignty.
In his remarks, Minister Shahid said though geographically far, the Maldives and Morocco shares a traditionally close bond of friendship and understanding that dates back for over eight centuries. The minister noted the cooperation between the Maldives and Morocco is multifaceted, adding this includes cooperation in the areas of culture and heritage, education, climate change, economic cooperation, counterterrorism and de-radicalization. He said both countries have also been collaborating closely at multilateral level, especially at the United Nations, on important international issues including the question of Western Sahara.
Speaking further, Minister Shahid said the Maldives has always supported the position of Morocco on the Western Sahara and has constantly advocated for a peaceful resolution of the dispute through negotiations. The minister said the Maldives welcomes the recent decision of the United States to recognize the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over the entire region of Western Sahara. He expressed confidence that the Moroccan Initiative of Autonomy Plan remains the most promising path to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Ending his remarks, the minister assured that the Maldives will always stand by Morocco in its efforts to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable resolution to this issue in line with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter.